Real-Time Assessment of Stress and Stress Response

Stress is a complex natural phenomenon, frequently related to a physiological response, including heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin conductance and temperature. The subjective experience varies greatly; broadly, it may be conceived as a freeze, flight, fight, fright or faint response. Many studies have demonstrated the negative influence of psychological stress on health and well-being. Through the digital phenotyping of physiological and psychological stress reactions, in a controlled laboratory setting (Trier Social Stress Test- TSST) and real-life situations, in a population of healthy participants and patients with a major psychiatric disorder, we expect to find reliable and valid digital biomarkers. The results of this study will, therefore, not only contribute to a better understanding of stress and stress response but also have the potential to improve diagnostic and treatment approaches.