Computer program to combat astronaut depression could help people on Earth

by William Atkins

Thursday, 21 August 2008

Page 2 of 3 On the technical summary page of the NPF website, the objective of the project is stated as: “Depression can present a significant threat to long-duration space missions, and crews need the ability to recognize it and treat it effectively. We are developing a prototype computer-based system that includes a module for the recognition and treatment of depression." Further, "Before being used by astronauts, this system needs to be further developed and tested for efficacy in an analog population. The countermeasure we are developing is intended for use both in pre-flight training and on the International Space Station. The program has substantial Earth benefits.” The project is now in the prototype stage but is expected to become a completed computer-based tool based on psychological data from thirteen astronauts at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (Houston, Texas) who have been up in space as part of the long-duration space programs of the International Space Station, Mir, and Skylab. Currently, as part of this process, medical professionals guide astronauts through the formalized and structured therapy course. However, eventually, the course will be transferred into a computerized format so that astronauts have the ability to proceed without outside help, as they would be forced to do hundreds of miles above Earth (inside the International Space Station) or millions of miles away from Earth (on a space mission to a planet). Also part of the program is U.S. family sociologist Phyllis Johnson, of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. She analyzed interviews with astronauts who had spent an extended amount of time in space. Dr. Johnson commented on the role that the astronauts envisoned for a healthy habitat in space. She stated, "For example, they emphasized the importance of regular communication regarding work, publicity and education, all of which provide connection to Earth and helped to reduce the perception of isolation.” [EU.SpaceRef.com] Johnson also stated the importance that the astronauts gave to having a "home away from home" while on their extended space trips. [EU.SpaceRef.com] Page three talks about the similarity of Earth explorers in the past and space explorers in the future--and their ability to deal with isolation. << First page <   1 2 3 Next page > Last page - Post your comment >>

 

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