Depression Grand Challenge

The Depression Grand Challenge opened a new research study aimed to measure and track behavioral characteristics of depression and use these measures to predict brain activity, as measured by MRI scans.

After successfully completing two pilot studies, today is the launch of the final or main study phase of the Digital Mental Health Study, involving more than 3,000 participants recruited from UCLA Health and the UCLA student body.

The UCLA Depression Grand Challenge was one of twelve organizations selected as a performer for the Wellcome-Leap Multi-Channel Psych program. The program aims to develop better understanding about anhedonic depression, a severe and inhibitive kind of depression which affects the ability to feel pleasure or enjoyment.

Today is the launch of the second pilot phase of the study, involving approximately 140 participants recruited from UCLA Health. As with the prior pilot phase, this phase will be conducted entirely remotely.

Nelson Freimer, UCLA Depression Grand Challenge director, appeared on KTVU San Francisco to discuss the DGC’s pilot research project in collaboration with Apple.

The UCLA Depression Grand Challenge has begun a pilot research project in collaboration with Apple, called the Digital Mental Health Study. The study seeks to develop more objective measures for detecting depression and anxiety.

An Associated Press article highlighted how universities and companies across the nation — including UCLA — are developing smartphone technology to detect early signs of depression in younger generations.