July 18, 2020

This week our FAMU intern Brianna Belton has a great feature on the use of a new medical app to help track and treat depression. The app looks at steps and text messaging to determine depression levels. I am reminded of Aaron Burr’s line from the hit show Hamilton: “Depress less; walk more.” Well, that was not exactly what he said, but if Lin-Manuel Miranda can take some poetic liberty then so can I.

I may have been reminded of that phrase while I was reading the feature and saw the mention that results were based in part on the HAM-A (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale). This app may turn out to be a great one to use as more of our patients are having problems with anxiety and depression, and the opportunity to see a mental health professional is decreased.

 

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We can make a difference!

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Dave Joffe

Editor-in-chief