BiAffect

LOCATION

The study is based at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). Participation is fully remote/ online participants use the BiAffect app on their own iPhone as part of their everyday routine.

DURATION OF RECRUITMENT

Ongoing (citizen science open-ended)

TYPES OF BIPOLAR DISORDER INCLUDED

Bipolar I

Bipolar II

Cyclothymia

Bipolar Spectrum

At-Risk for Bipolar Disorder

IRB APPROVAL

This study has been IRB-approved

THE SCIENTIFIC QUESTION BEING STUDIED

BiAffect investigates whether passive smartphone keyboard dynamics, including typing speed, error rates, backspace frequency, and inter-keystroke intervals, can unobtrusively track brain health and predict mood states in people with and without bipolar disorder. The study uses deep learning algorithms to model the relationship between typing behavior and neuropsychological functioning, circadian rhythms, and cognitive changes associated with mood episodes.

WHO CAN TAKE PART IN THE STUDY?

Anyone 18 and older with an iPhone! Participants include people with or without a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions, who are interested in contributing to research and learning about how their keyboard usage patterns relate to brain and mental health. The newest version of our app accommodates a wide variety of new languages in our keyboards and has achieved the EU’s GDPR compliance requirements, meaning it is now available on App stores around the world!

WHAT DOES THIS STUDY REQUIRE OF PARTICIPANTS?

Participants download the BiAffect app on their iPhone and use it as their everyday keyboard. The app passively collects typing dynamics data in the background during normal phone use. Participants may also complete brief in-app surveys and cognitive tasks such as Go-No-Go reaction time assessments. There is no required in-person visit. Duration is ongoing, and participants can contribute as citizen scientists for as long as they choose.

WILL PARTICIPANTS BE COMPENSATED?

No.

This study is being conducted by the BiAffect research team, led by Alex Leow, MD, PhD (Principal Investigator), and Peter C. Nelson, PhD at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

For more information, you can message the team on their Instagram @BiAffect_Health or shoot them an email
at Hello@BiAffect.com.

BiAffect is now compliant with the EU’s GDPR, the most stringent international data privacy standard. The app is available for free on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/biaffect/id1355144276. BiAffect has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, CBS News, TEDxChicago, IEEE spectrum, and many others.

Study-Related Materials

Study Website