Happy' iPhone Application Undergoes Clinical Trial for Treating Symptoms of Depression
Signal Patterns, developers of psychology, health and wellness-based Web and mobile applications, today announced that its Live Happy iPhone and iPod touch App is currently undergoing a clinical trial to test the efficacy of the Live Happy app as a tool for treating symptoms of depression. Introduced in June 2009, Live Happy is a first-of-its-kind mobile happiness-boosting program based on Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky's positive psychology research and key elements from her book, "The How of Happiness."
The clinical trial, which is already underway after being approved by Fairleigh Dickinson University's Institutional Review Board, is being conducted through a network of therapists who will oversee daily use of the Live Happy app as an adjunct to treatment. Therapists will continuously measure patients' response to the addition of the app to "treatment as usual" (typically therapy and medication). Live Happy is comprised of a collection of positive psychology interventions, all of which have been empirically tested on healthy individuals. However, this is the first time an app is being tested for clinical efficacy as a means of treating mental health patients.
"We teamed with Dr. Lyubomirsky to develop the Live Happy app and program to help people boost both short and long term happiness," says Ran Zilca, CEO of Signal Patterns. "Initial feedback about the app's effectiveness has been very positive, and having it undergo a clinical trial to test its efficacy for treating symptoms of depression takes it to a new level. We're excited to see the results when the clinical trial concludes in June of this year."
Dr. Lyubomirsky, professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, adds: "The findings from this trial will help us gain new insight into how effective Live Happy is in relieving the symptoms of depression and helping people achieve greater happiness. The app is designed to improve one's happiness by offering people ways to learn and practice the skills it takes to bolster happiness, and we're eager to see the results that come from the clinical trial."
The positive psychology Live Happy app was developed by Signal Patterns' SP Labs research team, which includes Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky. Live Happy allows users to personalize the program and continuously monitor and measure their happiness and mood. Live Happy is available for the iPhone and iPod touch for $1.99 at http://bit.ly/LiveHappyApp. For more information, please visit: http://www.LiveHappyApp.com.
Robert McGrath, Professor of Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University, concludes: "Live Happy is very convenient because it's mobile, but for it to be most effective it takes dedication and a conscious decision to work at it on a daily basis. This isn't always easy, especially for people battling depression, so it will be interesting to learn the results and see how effectively Live Happy works in improving symptoms of depression."
About Signal Patterns
Signal Patterns develops psychology, health and wellness-based Web and mobile applications that help people improve their well-being and relationships with others. Developed by a team of over 20 PhDs worldwide, Signal Patterns' online professional-grade solutions include self and relationship assessments, positive psychology activities, social tools for connecting with like-minded individuals, and now health and wellness applications. Signal Patterns' patent-pending technology results from a unique combination of in-house psychology research and data mining expertise. Founded in 2006, Signal Patterns is based in Pleasantville, NY. For more information: http://www.signalpatterns.com and http://www.signalpatternslabs.com. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/signalpatterns.