Listening to bipolar disorder: Smartphone app detects mood swings via voice analysis

Research at the University of Michigan is being put to work in an application that can identify elevated and depressed moods in bipolar patients through voice recognition. While more research and development is required, this app could be a huge step in helping certain individuals lead more stable lives.

May. 8, 2014 UMDC

A smartphone app that monitors subtle qualities of a persons voice during everyday phone conversations shows promise for detecting early signs of mood changes in people with bipolar disorder, a University of Michigan team reports.

While the app still needs much testing before widespread use, early results from a small group of patients show its potential to monitor moods while protecting privacy.

The researchers hope the app will eventually give people with bipolar disorder and their health care teams an early warning of the changing moods that give the condition its name. The technology could also help people with other conditions.