This study explores the connection between speech characteristics and mental health, particularly focusing on depression. By analyzing features like pitch, tone, speech rate, and physical responses (e.g., heart rate), the research aims to identify markers that distinguish speech patterns of individuals with depression from healthy controls. Using voice recordings and physiological data collected during emotion-inducing tasks, the study seeks to develop reliable, non-invasive tools to assess and
Conditions
Interventions
Group 1: In this study, participants will undergo a structured procedure involving two primary data collection methods. First, physiological data will be recorded using wearable device, such as smartw
Sponsors
University Hospital RWTH Aachen
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Informed Consent: Participants must have full insight into the study's objectives and procedures, as determined by an independent physician, and must submit a written consent form to participate. Age: Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Diagnosis of Depression: Participants must have a confirmed diagnosis of a depressive episode within the framework of the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Patients with either an isolated unipolar depressive episode or a recurrent depressive disorder can be included. The diagnosis should be made by a qualified mental health professional. Severity of Depression: Participants must have mild to moderate depression, assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), with the following score ranges: Mild Depression: BDI-II scores of 14–19 Moderate Depression: BDI-II scores of 20–28 Participants with a BDI-II score within these ranges will be included. Clinical Treatment: Participants must currently be receiving treatment at the Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics at the University Hospital Aachen. Sufficient knowledge of German language
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Inability to understand the informed consent and/or adhere to the study protocol Persons who are in a dependent/employment relationship with the sponsor or investigator Persons who are currently housed in the clinic against their will Depressive episode within the framework of a bipolar disorder Any indication of acute suicidal behavior Lack of hearing and vision that cannot be compensated for with aids. The decision is made by the study team
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The primary outcome of this study is to identify and validate specific prosodic speech features—such as pitch variability, intensity, and speech rate—that differentiate individuals with depression from healthy participants. These findings aim to contribute to the development of non-invasive, speech-based tools for the diagnosis and monitoring of depression, offering objective and accessible methods to enhance clinical assessments and support mental health management. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The secondary outcome of this study is to explore the correlation between prosodic features and self-reported emotional states, as well as clinical measures of depression severity. Additionally, the study aims to assess the feasibility of integrating speech-based analyses with physiological data for a holistic understanding of mental health, while also considering the potential influence of demographic and contextual factors on prosodic variations. | — |
Countries
Germany
Contacts
Public ContactTanja Veselinovic
Uniklinik RWTH Aachen
Outcome results
None listed