Anxiety trigger tracker to go?
1.What is it?
The first evidence based anxiety management app for autistic people.
The app allows the user to track their daily activities and moods to better grasp triggers which may lead to anxiety attacks.
Available on the Apple and Android app stores
2. Why is it important?
- In the UK 1 in 100 people are autistic which accounts for 500, 000 people
- Currently the budget only allows for research worth £6.60 per annum per patient
- Over 90% of patients are happy to participate in research
- Adult autism only receives 7% of the budget for research purposes
The Molehill Mountain App is helping to tackle the significantly higher risks of autistic patients living with anxiety –
3. How does it work?
The app explores causes and symptoms of anxiety and helps the user by:
- tracking triggers
- providing evidence based dailty tips
- improving their confidence to self- manage anxiety
Questions asked include:
You can also share your progress with someone you trust if you want to speak about something further.
There is also an option to enter a 7 day email guide before committing to the app so you can see if it is suitable for you.
4. The future
Autistica is the leading research charity for autism in the UK who are currently working on a range of research projects to:
- improve diagnostics
- advance personalised therapies
- improve mental and physical health of autistic people
- imporve quality of life by ensuring autism and self confidence can go hand in hand
5. Who is involved?
Dr Jeremy Parr – Newcastle University
Professor Sir Michael Rutter, Patron
References
All images belong to Autistica
https://www.autistica.org.uk/get-involved/molehill-mountain-app
https://www.kingshealthpartners.org/latest/1863-new-autism-and-anxiety-app-launched
Lever, A. G. & Geurts, H. M. (2016) Psychiatric Co-occurring Symptoms and Disorders in Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 46, 6, 1916–30.
Torous J, Nicholas J, Larsen ME, et al (2018) Clinical review of user engagement with mental health smartphone apps: evidence, theory and improvements. Evidence-Based Mental Health Published Online First: 05 June 2018. doi: 10.1136/eb-2018-102891