Smartwatch could spot depression by tracking heart rate and sleep

NCT ID NCT05767593

Ongoing Diagnosis Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a Samsung smartwatch can detect signs of depression by analyzing heart rate, sleep, and step count. About 220 adults with and without depression will wear the watch for 3 months and complete daily mood surveys. The goal is to see if the watch's 'Mindfulness Index' can accurately identify people with major depressive disorder.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Samsung smartwatch with Mindfulness Index algorithm
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a simple way to detect depression using a smartwatch, helping people get diagnosed earlier.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with only 220 people. The algorithm may not work well in real-world settings or for all types of depression.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

major depressive disorder mood disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE MOOD DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.