Anima
predicting and preventing panic attacks
Designed by
Nadin Haddad
Problem
Panic attacks, particularly unexpected ones, pose significant challenges for individuals dealing with anxiety disorders. The sudden onset and lack of warning signs often amplifies the intensity of panic episodes, making them challenging to manage effectively. Once a panic attack begins, it becomes challenging to intervene effectively, often leaving individuals feeling emotionally and physically drained afterwards.
Concept
Revolutionizing how individuals cope with anxiety disorders by predicting and preventing unexpected panic attacks before they occur, diverging from traditional reactive approaches to panic attacks. This aims to transition the focus from managing panic attacks as they occur to predicting and preempting their onset.
Expected panic attacks are triggered by specific situations or stimuli allowing individuals to anticipate and prepare for their occurrence based on past experiences or known triggers. In contrast, unexpected panic attack manifests suddenly and abruptly with no apparent reason.
After having promising findings, I widened my research to uncover a small scale study that backs up my claims, suggesting that certain physiological changes could be detected in the body 40 minutes to an hour before the onset of an unexpected panic attack.
With this information, I proceeded to design a monitor that can predict unexpected panic attack. This monitor itself is flexible and is made using special technology for making flexible chips where all the wires inside are in coils. The monitor is placed on the chest of the user with a special bandage, and only removed once a week to charge.
Upon detecting potential signs of a panic attack, the system gently vibrates to notify the user. The supporting app automatically sends a message to notify the user's designated support person that a potential panic attack is detected, ensuring that assistance is readily available if needed during the critical period following the alert.
The monitoring system consists of the flexible monitor, special bandages,
interactive charging base and a supporting mobile app.
To wear the monitor, clean the chest area, and the place the monitor on the instructed area, and place the bandage on top to hold it in place.
It's best to replace the bandage once a week. To do so, remove and discard the used bandage, place the monitor on the charging base and let it charge whilst taking a shower. To re-apply the monitor, use a fresh bandage.
The charging station doubles as a clock when not in use, and could also be used as a Bluetooth speaker.
When placing the monitor on the charging base, it magnetically attaches to the wireless charging outlet, the upper section of the charging unit rotates and starts charging.
When placing the monitor on the charging base, it magnetically attaches to the wireless charging outlet, the upper section of the charging unit rotates and starts charging.
When removing the monitor, the charging unit returns to the default position and
to being a clock.
Texture-based Calming Techniques
Informed by extensive research, the project explores innovative techniques to calm
the body and prevent panic attacks before they occur. Through meticulous experimentation, it was discovered that textures play a pivotal role in soothing individuals and diverting
their attention from impending panic attacks. Specifically, rubbery and silicone materials adorned with soft spikes in various patterns emerged as highly effective tools in this regard. Engaging with these textures through tactile exploration and manipulation enables individuals to focus on the sensation of touch, effectively diverting their attention from
the onset of panic attacks.
Who?
Individuals prone to unexpected panic attacks, seeking proactive strategies for prevention
and management of anxiety-related conditions.
What?
A monitoring system designed to measure specific vital information and analyze physiological
signals associated with panic attacks. Through real-time data processing, the monitor predicts
and informs the user of possible oncoming panic attacks.
When?
The monitor operates seamlessly, providing continuous monitoring and predictive insights
whenever individuals experience heightened levels of anxiety or stress.
Where?
The monitor is placed in the user's chest, and is to be used everywhere.
Why?
To help avoid and prevent going through debilitating panic attacks, promoting better mental
health outcomes and enhancing overall well-being
How?
By measuring specific vital information and physiological signals associated with panic attacks.
Upon predicting an oncoming panic attack, the monitor gently vibrates, alerting the user to
the potential upcoming onset. The supporting app automatically notifies a designated support
person when a potential panic attack is detected, ensuring that assistance is readily available
if needed during the critical period following the alert.
