59 USING DIGITAL MEDIA TECHNOLOGY TO ANALYZE THE EMOTIONAL AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION OF PATIENTS WITH DEPRESSION

Abstract

Background Depression is a common mental illness characterized by persistent low mood, cognitive dysfunction, and impaired social functioning. In recent years, with the rapid development of digital media technologies, using these technologies to study the changes of emotional and cognitive functions has become a new research direction. Digital media technologies such as digital applications, online assessment tools and biofeedback devices, which provide real-time data collection and analysis, offer innovative approaches to depression assessment and intervention. These techniques not only help researchers gain a deeper understanding of the emotional experience and cognitive function of people with depression, but also support the development of personalized treatment programs. The purpose of this study is to analyze the emotional state and cognitive function performance of patients with depression by using digital media technology. Methods The study was designed using a hybrid approach, combining quantitative and qualitative studies, to gain insight into the emotional and cognitive functions of patients with depression. Taking 160 patients diagnosed with depression who were treated at a mental health center, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) meets the DSM-5 criteria for depression. Participants were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=50, receiving the digital media technology intervention) and a control group (n=50, receiving the usual treatment). Groups are grouped using a computer-generated list of random numbers to ensure that the two groups match on baseline features. Prior to the study, all participants completed a self-rated questionnaire on depressive symptoms and daily mood performance, including the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). At the end of the 12-week intervention, all participants filled out the Hamilton Depression Scale again, and cognitive function was assessed via an online cognitive platform. Results The score results of the two groups of patients before and after the experimental intervention are shown in Table 1. The baseline HAM-D score of the experimental group was 22.5 points, which decreased to 12.3 points after 12 weeks, with a mean change range of 45.5%. The statistical results showed significant changes in depressive symptoms in the group (P<0.001). The experimental group had a baseline cognitive function score of 72.8, which improved slightly to 74.0 after 12 weeks, a change of only 1.6%. Showed little substantial improvement in cognitive function in the control group. Discussion The results of the study support the validity of using digital media techniques to analyze mood and cognitive function in patients with depression. Through precise data collection and analysis, the study revealed a close relationship between mood swings and cognitive function in patients with depression, suggesting that emotion management may be an important way to improve cognitive function.