Smartwatches Signal Early Indicators of PTSD in Individuals Following Coverage of October 7 Attacks in Israel
A groundbreaking study reveals that heavy media exposure after traumatic events like attacks can increase PTSD risk, with smartwatches playing a key role in early detection based on monitoring stress and well-being indicators.
A recent three-year research study involving over 5,000 residents in Israel has revealed a significant link between media consumption of traumatic events and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study focused on individuals who viewed extensive coverage of the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel, finding that those who engaged heavily with media reports and graphic videos on platforms like Telegram and TikTok were more susceptible to PTSD. Participants wore smartwatches that monitored various well-being metrics such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and mood fluctuations, providing valuable real-time data.
The study, conducted by Prof. Erez Shmueli and Prof. Dan Yamin from Tel Aviv University in collaboration with colleagues from Stanford University, highlighted that PTSD rates among participants increased substantially approximately two months after the attacks, with rates reaching between 22.9% and 36%. Although these rates decreased to between 15.9% and 24.7% after seven months, individuals with higher media exposure experienced more pronounced symptoms.
Smartwatch data further indicated that those developing PTSD exhibited sharper increases in stress levels and more significant declines in physical activity and sleep quality during the initial week following the traumatic events. These findings underscore the influence of media on mental health and suggest that wearable technology could be instrumental in early PTSD detection.
The research emphasizes the need for cautious media consumption following traumatic events and advocates for the integration of wearable health devices into mental health monitoring. Future studies aim to expand on these insights by including longer follow-up periods and formal assessments by healthcare professionals. The findings are published in PLOS Mental Health and contribute valuable knowledge about the indirect exposure to trauma and its mental health repercussions.
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