NASA touts computer-based depression treatment for astronauts

Posted on 25 Sep 2008 at 14:44

US scientists have turned to computers in a bid to help astronauts recognise and manage depression and other psychosocial problems.

The team from the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) began work on the interavailable, multi-media program as depression can pose a "substantial threat to crew safety" and mission operations during long spaceflights.

The treatment forms part of what NASA dubs Virtual Space Station, a multi-media program designed to address multiple psychosocial problems. The system can be used for training before missions, and for assistance during them. Other problems being addressed via the Virtual Space Station include interpersonal conflict, and stress and anxiety.

Although the project being developed for NASA, project leader Dr James Cartreine said it could be spun off for use on Earth.

"This project has great potential as a self-guided treatment for many people," said Cartreine, a member of NSBRI's Neurobehavioral and Psychosocial Factors Team. "Depression is the number one cause of disability days in the United States, but it's not only about days lost. Depression also results in presenteeism - showing up for work but not really working."

Cartreine, a Harvard Medical School research psychologist, said that the Virtual Space Station will make effective therapeutic depression treatment more easily accessible to astronauts aboard the International Space Station and proposed missions to the moon and Mars. Currently, astronauts have audio and video access to psychologists only when communication links are available.

Author: Robert Jaques

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