SENsory and Body perception EvAluaTion in Depressive Symptomatology (SENSEBEAT-DS)

Project Website (www.sensebeat.eu)

The SENSEBEAT project investigates sensory patterns and body perception in depressive disorders. Sensory and body perception alterations significantly impact how individuals interact with their surroundings. In the context of depressive disorders, disruptions in signaling across sensory domains influence symptomatology, sensory-motor integration, and treatment responses. Our previous projects demonstrated that technology integrating sound-feedback on body movement alters body perceptions and related motor behavior and emotional state in various populations, including those with low physical activity levels, chronic pain, eating disorders, and chronic stroke. In our recent work we are exploring sensory-driven malleability in conjunction with interoceptive awareness and sensory-processing sensitivity, particularly in populations with eating disorders. We have also shown associations between feelings of depression and body sensations using bodily illusions, with promising applications in mental health interventions. In the pursuit of developing diagnostic tools and therapies, it is crucial to conduct research on alterations in sensory and body perception associated with depressive symptoms, as well as the impact of sensorial technology on these aspects across laboratory, clinical, and everyday settings.

The SENSEBEAT project hypothesizes that disturbances in sensory processing and body perception contribute to the pathophysiology of depressive disorders, offering potential avenues for intervention. It aims to investigate short-term and longitudinal correlations between sensory processing, body perception disturbances, and depressive symptoms. This involves profiling populations and assessing the malleability of sensory-driven body perceptions through wearable technology, along with smart devices utilized during follow-up periods. This 3-year inter- and multidisciplinary project focuses on refining wearable systems and multisensory stimulation, testing instruments and tailoring interventions in populations with depressive symptoms, and utilizing machine learning models for data collected in real-world settings.

SENSEBEAT brings together a multidisciplinary and international team involving the areas of Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychiatry, Data science, and real-life health applications. Researchers are from five European countries and eight academic groups in Spain (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad de Zaragoza), UK (University College London Interaction Centre), France (Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique), Switzerland (University Hospital of Psychiatry and Association of Independent Research) and Sweden (KTH). Leveraging extensive experience in sensorial assessment and implicit ecological assessments, the project aims to advance knowledge on sensory and body perception disturbances in major depression and guide the design of innovative body-centered technologies with the potential to revolutionize therapies and self-management practices of individuals with depressive symptoms.