Mathematical models of bipolar disorder

We use limit cycle oscillators to model bipolar II disorder, which is characterized by alternating hypomanic and depressive episodes and afflicts about 1% of the United States adult population. We consider two non-linear oscillator models of a single bipolar patient. In both frameworks, we begin with an untreated individual and examine the mathematical effects and resulting biological consequences of treatment. We also briefly consider the dynamics of interacting bipolar II individuals using weakly-coupled, weakly-damped harmonic oscillators. We discuss how the proposed models can be used as a framework for refined models that incorporate additional biological data. We conclude with a discussion of possible generalizations of our work, as there are several biologically-motivated extensions that can be readily incorporated into the series of models presented here

HCI Applications for Aiding Children with Mental Disorders

This work is a part of an ongoing project that focuses on potential applications of HCI in aiding children with mental disorders. In this work we look at autism and bipolar disorder in particular. We believe HCI is promising here because it provides the possibility of capturing, analyzing, and influencing human perception and behavior. Treating mental disorders, particularly those discussed in this article, requires frequent individual sessions over long durations. An HCI assisted treatment allows for such personalized therapy and it can be expanded to allow for treatment in households that do not have ready access to such therapy