Monitoring mood and cognitive symptoms through typing patterns on smartphones

Unobtrusive Monitoring of Affective Symptoms and Cognition using Keyboard Dynamics

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10747906

This study is looking at how the way you type on your smartphone can help keep track of your thinking and mood if you have a mood disorder like bipolar disorder or depression, making it easier to understand and manage your feelings in everyday life.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10747906 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how typing dynamics on smartphones can be used to unobtrusively monitor cognitive function in individuals with mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder and depression. By utilizing a custom virtual keyboard, the study collects real-time data on typing patterns while participants use their devices in everyday settings. The goal is to identify changes in cognitive function and mood symptoms, providing valuable insights into the management of these conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with mood disorders, including bipolar disorder and unipolar depression.

Not a fit: Patients without mood disorders or those who do not use smartphones may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring and treatment strategies for patients with mood disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using technology for monitoring mental health symptoms, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions bipolar affective disorderbipolar diseasemanic depressive disorderBipolar Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.