Serial measurement of mood via text messaging in young people

Philip Hazell,Karen Paxton,Rebecca Ivers,Katharine S Steinbeck,Ben Balzer,Georgina Luscombe,Patrick Kelly,Rachel Skinner,Catherine Hawke

doi:10.1186/s13034-020-0313-0

Philip Hazell, Karen Paxton + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-020-0313-0

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Abstract

BackgroundTo support longitudinal research into mood in adolescents we sought to assess the feasibility of collecting mood data via Short Message Service (SMS) over 3 years, and to investigate the relationship between SMS data and self-report measures of depression.MethodsProspective cohort study of young people aged 9 to 14 years at baseline. Participants completed Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) and the Youth Self Report Anxious/Depressed ((YSR)/AD) and Withdrawn/Depressed (YSR/WD) scales at baseline and annually for 3 years. In addition, at 3 monthly intervals they responded to an SMS asking them to rate their mood from 0 to 9 (9 highest).Results277 young people (43% female) completed all four waves of the survey. There was a 87% response rate to requests for SMS Mood ratings. Mean SMS Mood decreased over time for females (p = 0.006) but not males (p = 0.45). We found an inverse association between SMS Mood and the SMFQ, YSR/AD and YSR/WD, scales in females and the SMFQ and YSR/WD scales in males. 45% of participants reported at least one SMS Mood rating score below 5, while 5% reported clusters of low SMS scores. Clusters of low SMS Mood scores were associated with SMFQ scores in the clinical range at 24 (OR = 4.45) and 36 months (OR = 4.72), and YSR/WD in the clinical range at 36 months (OR = 4.61).ConclusionsSMS Mood ratings represent a feasible means to augment but not replace assessment of mood obtained using standard instruments.

Highlights

To support longitudinal research into mood in adolescents we sought to assess the feasibility of collecting mood data via Short Message Service (SMS) over 3 years, and to investigate the relationship between SMS data and self-report measures of depression
SMS Mood monitoring has been validated against the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a standardized measure of depression, in adults [5, 6], but not to our knowledge against depression measures designed for young people
There was a significant relationship between daily mood scores and 1-week average mood scores and PHQ-9 scores controlling for linear change in depression scores, but the relationship between the 2-week average mood and PHQ-9 scores was non-significant [6]

Summary

Introduction

To support longitudinal research into mood in adolescents we sought to assess the feasibility of collecting mood data via Short Message Service (SMS) over 3 years, and to investigate the relationship between SMS data and self-report measures of depression. Hazell et al Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health (2020) 14:5 between mood and other events such as puberty onset Such measures may provide a more accurate indication of the onset and duration of mood disorder in young people participating in longitudinal research. Thirty-three adults received daily automated text messages measuring their mood (What is your mood on a scale of 1–9?) and inquiring about thoughts and activities as part of their participation in group cognitive behavioural therapy for depression in a public sector clinic. During this time, they received a PHQ-9 each week that they attended the therapy group. To our knowledge SMS has not been used to track mood over long periods in young people or adults

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