There are already mobile apps that can help you find the best nearby restaurant or track the next bus. Now the team behind WhatsMyM3 is claiming that their app can tell if a user is at an increased risk of depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
According to its website, WhatsMyM3 is a self-rated checklist for potential mood and anxiety symptoms. After completing a questionnaire, it “trigger[s] a risk assessment page indicating your relative risk for depression, an anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and [PTSD]. The Screen responses and the resulting M3 risk assessment may be printed, faxed, emailed or securely accessed online by a designated health care professional, all at the discretion of the user. The information provided by the M3 expedites and organizes a discussion between doctor and patient of relevant mental health issues at their next office visit, helping to direct the physician toward a more accurate diagnosis. By providing parallel educational material for patients and their physicians, the M3 encourages treatment compliance and long-range follow-up of progress.”
Once a user completes the screening and potentially decides to go for treatment, M3 encourages users to record progress with the M3 Monitor, a tracking form for assessing progress and potential side effects over time:
“This monitoring system may be shared with the treating physician via hard copy, fax, email or may be securely accessed through a Microsoft HealthVault account. Physicians can make use of the M3 Monitor data to decide if and when medication adjustments are indicated. Because most courses of treatment should last a minimum of 9 to 12 months, the M3 encourages monitoring for a full year from the beginning of treatment.”
The app is available for $2.99 for iPhone, iPad and Android — or for free online at WhatsMyM3.com.
Heather Rudow is a staff writer for Counseling Today. Email her at hrudow@counseling.org.