Smart apps for patients with panic disorder: detection of shaking through accelerometers

Abstract

Panic Disorder is a condition in which the patient has sudden and repeated attacks of fear called Panic Attack. Panic disorder is becoming increasingly prevalent in the society today. Such psychological condition is often mistaken for heart attack since they have similar symptoms and hence it is important for the patient to get the correct diagnosis.

The focus of this project is to create two applications. One will assist the doctor to diagnose the patient’s condition based on a particular symptom of panic attack, namely, tremble of hands. Second application is a personal application for the patient and it dials an emergency help number as soon as the android device detects a panic attack.

Android smart phone is used for this project since smart phones have gained lot of popularity and are widely available which makes the applications convenient and easily accessible.

This project was commenced by the author. The initial phase of the project was utilized in understanding details of panic attacks. Then an action plan was made and the required Android knowledge was gained. The second phase of the project was to implement the design for the first Android application for the Doctors called Panic Judge. The third phase involved development of the second Android application for the patient called Panic Helper. This phase was followed by Testing of the application.

This project is the first step towards the vision of an application which can be commercially successful to detect panic attacks, provide help and relief to patients and ease the burden of Doctors.