Digital Mental Health Management (MHM)

Group Leader: Prof. Dr. Birgit Kleim

Group Members: Dr. Marcus Grüschow, Dr. Stephanie Homan, Dr. Marta Marciniak

Overview

MHM uses modern technology to improve the prediction, prevention and treatment of stress-related mental health conditions, such as anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our work builds on unique research expertise on resilience and stress management across the lifespan, and innovative technology, such as passive sensing, digital mental health monitoring and management, feedback, and just-in-time adaptive interventions. In the context of two spin-offs from SNF- and H2022 Horizon funded projects, we foster innovations around responsible bio-behavioral assessments and digital coaches to innovate prevention and intervention approaches. We also include user perspectives and fulfill relevant criteria of transparency, sustainability, efficacy, and accountability. Our work also includes legal aspects of assessments and treatments in vulnerable patients, e.g. in the context of suicidality.

Applied Research and Innovation Potential

MHM conducts multi-disciplinary and applied research on stress, resilience, and stress and resilience management across the lifespan. Central to our approach is interdisciplinarity. We believe that our results and science-based products are so much better when expertise and knowledge from different perspectives and disciplines are brought in, taking innovation to a new level. Our applied approach includes testing for effects and side effects on the level of individuals and on predicting, for instance, the person-specific and situation-specific effects of digital monitoring and management approaches developed with research and industry partners.

Data Access and Exchange

MHM uses real life behavioral and experiential longitudinal data streams in clinical and non-clinical individuals and combines them with state-of-the-art mental health assessment tools. By collecting such data, we contribute to the HLC's most important data source, which can then be used to feedback and launch new developments.