Gamification-based apps for PTSD: An analysis of functionality and characteristics

Nidal Drissi, Sofia Ouhbi, Mohammed Abdou Janati Idtissi, Mounir Ghogho

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that is triggered by exposure to traumatic events. PTSD is associated with severe emotional disturbances that impair the person's functional abilities like social interactions and the ability to work. If left untreated, PTSD can even lead to suicide. Even though PTSD is a manageable and treatable disorder, many people are not able to get the appropriate treatment, either because of cost problems, stigma, mobility problems, or other causes. Since mobile phones are devices that are owned by a large number of people, m-health is an aspect that can facilitate access to the needed treatment and care for PTSD in many ways, one being via mobile applications (apps). Using gamification features in apps can be helpful in the management and treatment of PTSD. This paper identifies a list of 24 gamification-based apps for PTSD, 14 Android apps and 10 iOS apps, and assesses their functionalities and characteristics. The results highlighted mainly the need for more consideration of security aspects, incorporation of medical devices and physical indicators, and the apps' availability in multiple languages.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication16th ACS/IEEE International Conference on Computer Systems and Applications, AICCSA 2019
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
ISBN (Electronic)9781728150529
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2019
Event16th ACS/IEEE International Conference on Computer Systems and Applications, AICCSA 2019 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Duration: Nov 3 2019Nov 7 2019

Publication series

NameProceedings of IEEE/ACS International Conference on Computer Systems and Applications, AICCSA
Volume2019-November
ISSN (Print)2161-5322
ISSN (Electronic)2161-5330

Conference

Conference16th ACS/IEEE International Conference on Computer Systems and Applications, AICCSA 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited Arab Emirates
CityAbu Dhabi
Period11/3/1911/7/19

Keywords

  • Apps
  • Gamification
  • M-health
  • Mental Health
  • PTSD
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Hardware and Architecture
  • Signal Processing
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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