It’s increasingly common for someone to be diagnosed with a condition such as ADHD or autism as an adult. A diagnosis often brings relief, but it can also come with as many questions as answers. 
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Posted October 7, 2024 Reviewed by Michelle Quirk
Technologies and apps are helping to bridge the divide between mental and physical health. In 2024, the wearable technologies global market is estimated to be worth approximately USD 62.4 billion. The growth in this market is driven by increasing consumer interest in health and fitness, advancements in wearable technology, and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases that require continuous monitoring. As mental health professionals, it is important for us to have familiarity with these products when our patients are using them and to have them as an additional tool at our disposal.
The integration of the body into mental health is not a new concept, and it has gained increased traction in recent years thanks to the pioneering work of several leading therapists and researchers. These experts have demonstrated that addressing the body’s role in mental health can lead to profound healing and transformation:
The market is now flooded with innovative technologies designed to help individuals monitor and improve their physical and mental health. These tools offer real-time feedback and interventions, making it easier for people to stay in tune with their bodies and minds. Here’s a look at some of the leading tech options available today:
By providing real-time data on how a client’s body responds to stress, these devices can help therapists develop more holistic treatment plans. This approach can help clients become more aware of how their physical state influences their emotions and potentially improve therapeutic outcomes. By understanding how a client’s body reacts to different situations, therapists can recommend specific interventions—such as relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, or changes in daily habits—that are more likely to be effective. This data helps identify patterns, track improvements, and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans.
Mike Dannheim, founder and CEO of Sensie app and an expert in the consumer technology and wellness field, offers the following perspective: “These moments of anxiety or stress carry a gift, and when we learn to embrace them and to look at them, our lives take on a whole new meaning. These signals are coming from us, by us, to guide us. Technology is helping us identify these sources of stress early on so they don’t become ingrained patterns of behavior or disease and we can stay well. We are becoming increasingly aware of how much our whole body is part of mental health, and these tools are giving us new ways of looking at the mind-body connection.”
These technologies represent a new frontier in mental health care, allowing therapists to meet patients where they are—both physically and emotionally. By integrating these tools into their practice, therapists can offer more personalized, data-driven care that addresses the whole person, not just their mental health symptoms.
References
GlobeNewswire. (2024, July 29). Global wearable technology market size to worth USD 201.3 billion by 2033 | CAGR of 12.43%. GlobeNewswire.
Eva Ritvo, M.D., is an internationally-known speaker, best-selling author, vitality expert, and psychiatrist with a practice in Miami Beach.
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It’s increasingly common for someone to be diagnosed with a condition such as ADHD or autism as an adult. A diagnosis often brings relief, but it can also come with as many questions as answers.
