Self-care system for stress-related diseases or stress-induced mental disorders

Abstract

To provide a self-care system for stress-related diseases or stress-induced mental disorders.SOLUTION: A network system 100 comprises: a server 130 that stores a work set of at least three processes for performing a psychological therapy based on acceptance and commitment therapy or mindfulness, an evaluation scale for evaluating proficiency for each of the at least three processes, and a control program for controlling the system, and executes the control program; and an information processing terminal 110 for a user to execute the system. The control program prompts the user to execute the evaluation scale via the information processing terminal, executes at least one of the three processes on the basis of an evaluation result of the evaluation scale, and provides the user with a predetermined workpiece via the information processing terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and system for supporting self-care for stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress. [Background technology]

[0002] Illnesses that arise from psychological or social stress or that are thought to worsen due to stress are called stress-related illnesses. Stress-related illnesses are also called psychosomatic illnesses, and if the stress response is not improved and becomes chronic, it can lead to not only mental health problems but also physical illnesses. Mental health conditions related to stress include autonomic nervous system disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, adjustment disorders, alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, sudden hearing loss, neurosis, migraines, insomnia, and tension headaches. Stress-related physical conditions (psychosomatic disorders) include gastric and duodenal ulcers, essential hypertension, cardiac neurosis, bronchial asthma, hyperarousal syndrome, essential hypertension, coronary artery disease (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction), gastric and duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis, psychogenic vomiting, simple obesity, diabetes, muscle contraction headache, spasmodic torticollis, writer's cramp, chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, rheumatoid arthritis, lower back pain, bedwetting, psychogenic impotence, eye strain, essential blepharospasm, Meniere's disease, temporomandibular joint disorder, and PMS / PMDD. Psychotherapy is used to treat these mental health disorders.

[0003] The following technologies are known as technologies related to therapeutic apps for treating psychosomatic disorders. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for categorizing patients based on their symptoms and providing treatment based on different psychotherapies for each type. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for categorizing patients based on symptoms stored in a PMS memory and providing treatment based on different psychotherapies for each type. Patent Document 3 discloses a technology for acquiring interpretation information about smoking cessation from a smoking cessation patient, determining whether the information is correct, and providing cognitive behavioral therapy information to correct the incorrect interpretation if the answer is incorrect. Patent Document 4 discloses a technology for displaying a reminder message to a user based on information about the user's bedtime, sleep onset time, wakeup time, and wake-up time, encouraging the user to take a sleepiness test. Patent Document 5 discloses a technology for acquiring a patient's mental state, inputting the information into a trained model that has been machine-learned to calculate a method for providing information to improve the patient's mental state, and providing the user with information to improve the patient's mental state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-042008 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7138839 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6116769 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 6245781 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-042008 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] All of the prior art technologies provide treatment modules that address patients' symptoms. Patent Documents 1 and 2 assess and categorize patients based on their symptoms, but do not teach patients how to cope with stress, which is the underlying cause of their symptoms. Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4 provide information to alleviate the symptoms of specific diseases, but do not teach patients how to cope with stress. As mentioned above, conventional treatment apps focus on specific symptoms and do not provide methods to improve patients' stress-coping abilities, which are the underlying cause of those symptoms. As a result, they only alleviate the symptoms of various diseases caused by stress, but do not lead to fundamental improvement of the symptoms. The inventors speculate that the success rate of these symptomatic treatment apps is not necessarily high, at around 20-60%. Possible reasons for this include patients not being able to adequately learn how to cope with stress, which does not improve the underlying cause of their symptoms, and patients' lack of awareness or understanding of treatment apps.

[0006] One objective of the present invention is to provide a self-mental care system that enables easy and safe self-care to alleviate and improve stress-related illnesses or stress-induced mental disorders, or to train for habit improvement, thereby overcoming the shortcomings of conventional therapeutic apps. The second objective of the present invention is to provide a self-mental care system for specific stress-related illnesses, which overcomes ..., which are like books that provide step-by-step curricula, like traditional psychotherapy, and do not actually take advantage of the benefits of ICT. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (Invention 0) A system for self-care of stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, The system comprises: At least two process work sets for implementing psychotherapy; a rating scale for rating proficiency in each of the at least two processes; a server that stores a control program for controlling the system and executes the control program; an information processing terminal for a user to execute the system; The control program prompts the user to execute the evaluation scale via the information processing terminal, executes at least one of two processes based on the evaluation results of the evaluation scale, and provides the user with specified work via the information processing terminal. Many psychotherapy systems that use information processing devices are divided into a psychological education / disease education part and an actual exercise part. In this invention, these are separated and evaluated independently, and if a certain level is not reached, the user is prompted to perform that part again. (Invention 1) A system for self-care of stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, The system comprises: At least three process work sets implementing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy; a rating scale for rating proficiency in each of the at least three processes; a server that stores a control program for controlling the system and executes the control program; an information processing terminal for a user to execute the system; The control program prompts the user to execute the evaluation scale via the information processing terminal, executes at least one of three processes based on the evaluation results of the evaluation scale, and provides the user with specified work via the information processing terminal. According to the present invention, the component techniques of ACT or mindfulness that are suitable for packaging can be divided into evaluable units, implemented, evaluated in those units, and repeated depending on the results, allowing specific techniques to be implemented automatically, thereby making it possible to provide a new method of mental self-care that takes advantage of the characteristics of information processing systems. (Invention 2) After the specified work is completed, the control program again prompts the user to execute the evaluation scale via the information processing terminal, and based on the evaluation results of the evaluation scale, executes at least one of the at least three processes, and provides the specified work to the user via the information processing terminal. According to the present invention, it is possible to repeatedly provide work with which the user has low proficiency, thereby automatically improving the user's proficiency. (Invention 3) The system of Invention 1 or Invention 2, wherein the system further stores an evaluation scale for evaluating a state that will be improved by executing the at least three processes, and repeats evaluation and execution of the at least three processes until the evaluation value of the evaluation scale reaches a predetermined value. For example, scales assessing the severity of the disease or psychological flexibility can be periodically administered, and the program can be run automatically until the disease improves or the patient acquires the ability to cope with stress. (Invention 4) A system of Invention 1 or Invention 2 in which the system records a work set that has been modified to improve the symptoms of at least one disease in the at least three processes, and provides the modified work set to the user via an information processing terminal at a predetermined time. By adding additional work on disease-specific customized processes, the effectiveness of the process can be dramatically improved. (Invention 5) The system of Invention 4 further records psychology-based modules that improve symptoms of a disease, and provides the modules to the user via an information processing terminal at a predetermined timing. By providing additional psychological work separate from the stress management module, the effectiveness of the process can be dramatically improved. (Invention 6) The system of Inventions 1 to 5 has the function of adding and storing works devised by the user to the work set and updating the work set. By making it user-participation-based, users will be able to use the system continuously. (Invention 7) A system for self-care of stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, Each stress management work set corresponds to multiple themes that implement systematic psychotherapy for stress management, and at least one symptom relief work set to relieve disease-specific symptoms; a server including a schedule management function for adjusting an implementation schedule of the stress management work set and the symptom relief work set; a user's information processing terminal for using the system; and a self-care system comprising the system. By combining a part where you learn basic stress management techniques with a part where you practice disease-specific symptom management techniques, you can dramatically increase the effectiveness of self-care compared to disease-specific self-care alone. Furthermore, adjusting the progress of each part can further increase the effectiveness. (Invention 8) A system for self-care of stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, The system comprises: Each stress management work set corresponds to multiple themes that implement systematic psychotherapy for stress management, and at least one symptom relief work set for relieving multiple disease-specific symptoms; a schedule management function for adjusting the implementation schedule of the stress management work set and the symptom relief work set; A calendar function for recording the user's daily status items; a rating scale for assessing proficiency in the plurality of themes; a server including a list recording correspondence between the biopsychosocial factors of the user and at least a plurality of disease-specific symptoms, items to be recorded using a calendar function, or parameters of the evaluation scale; an information processing terminal for the user to use the system; A system in which the biopsychosocial factors of the user are acquired, parameters corresponding to the list are set in the system, and the user uses the system. (Invention 9) A self-mental care platform system, The system comprises: A medical interview block to obtain symptom / disease information to identify system requirements and A function of analyzing the necessary system requirements by referring to a list showing the comparison between the symptom / disease information and the necessary system requirements, and an evaluation block for analyzing and determining an intervention method; Schedule management block with calendar and schedule functions The first work set is for implementing psychotherapy for stress management; A set of self-care questionnaires for multiple symptoms / diseases, a second work set for implementing a psychological therapy to alleviate the plurality of symptoms / diseases; When the user's symptom / disease information is entered, the system determines the necessary system requirements from the list, sets the necessary work sets and questions in the schedule management block according to the system requirements, and provides the user with daily questions, a first work set, and a second work set via the schedule management block. According to the present invention, the symptoms and diseases targeted by the self-mental care platform system can be changed based on the user's symptoms and diseases. The present invention can be applied to Inventions 1-8. (Invention 10) A self-mental care platform system, The system comprises: An interview block to acquire the user's biopsychosocial factors to identify system requirements; A function for analyzing the necessary system requirements by referring to a list showing the comparison between the biopsychosocial factors and the necessary system requirements, and an evaluation block for analyzing and determining the intervention method; Schedule management block with calendar and schedule functions The first work set is for implementing psychotherapy for stress management; A set of self-care questions based on multiple biopsychosocial factors, a second work set for implementing psychological therapy to alleviate symptoms attributed to multiple biopsychosocial factors; When the user's biopsychosocial factors are input, the system determines the necessary system requirements from the list, sets the necessary work sets and questions in the schedule management block according to the system requirements, and provides the user with daily questions, a first work set, and a second work set via the schedule management block. According to the present invention, system requirements can be automatically changed as the user's life stage changes, allowing the user to continue using the same system for self-mental care. The present invention is applicable to inventions 1-10. (Invention 11) A system for exploring an intervention method for stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, The system comprises: At least three process work sets implementing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy; a process rating scale for rating proficiency in each of the at least three processes; A disease assessment scale for assessing the severity of stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress; a server that stores a control program for controlling the system and executes the control program; an information processing terminal for a user to execute the system; The control program provides each process to the user via the information processing terminal, prompts the user to execute the process evaluation scale and the disease evaluation scale before and after executing each process, and extracts a process that is effective for the disease by comparing the evaluation results of the process evaluation scale and the disease evaluation scale before and after executing the process. According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically search for an intervention method that is effective for a disease for which an intervention method is unknown. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The self-mental care system of the present invention can improve stress coping skills to prevent and improve stress-related illnesses, and also alleviate symptoms characteristic of stress-related illnesses, thereby promising effective and lasting improvement. Furthermore, improved stress coping skills can not only improve specific illnesses, but also produce secondary benefits such as improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, self-mental care exercises are provided as work sets based on themes, and evaluations are conducted for each theme. If the user's level of mastery is low, the same work sets can be repeated. Taking advantage of the characteristics of the information processing device, the system can automatically provide the user with self-mental care. Furthermore, by likening the theme to the core process of ACT or mindfulness, the self-care process can be implemented and evaluated more efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a system of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a database of personal data of a user in a PMS memory according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an example of an input screen; [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a database of personal data of a user of a sleep diary according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an example of an input screen thereof; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows an example of a database of personal data of a pain diary user according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a pain diary input screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A is a diagram showing the functional blocks of a control program of the system of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the control flow. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user screen of the system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a list showing the correspondence between diseases and intervention programs used in the programs included in the self-care system of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a list showing the correspondence between the biopsychosocial factors of users of the platform of the present invention and the requirements of the platform. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This invention is based on the finding that in a self-care system for stress-related diseases and mental disorders caused by stress, the effectiveness of symptomatic improvement suggestions can be improved by learning how to deal with stress, which is the root cause, in addition to symptomatic improvement suggestions brought about by stress-related diseases and mental disorders caused by stress.Furthermore, the effectiveness can be further improved by linking the stress-coping methods with the content and timing of the symptomatic improvement suggestions. (System configuration including self-care app) One embodiment of the present invention is a program installed in a network system located on the Internet. The network system includes a server or a cloud-based large-capacity storage device, and is connected to user terminals such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets via the Internet. The server device executes the program according to this embodiment, and provides various information to users via the user terminal, such as therapeutic apps that enable treatment and alleviation of stress-related illnesses and self-care, self-mental health care apps, and disease education related to stress-related illnesses, using information input from the user terminal and information stored in the server's storage device through data communication with the user terminal. Furthermore, while this system is shown as an example in which the server and user terminal cooperate to improve the symptoms of users and patients, the scope of the present invention also includes systems in which all elements are stored solely on the server side and the user terminal is used only for information input / output and display, systems in which necessary data and programs can be downloaded to the user terminal and all processing can be performed on the user terminal, and systems provided as web pages accessible to users. FIG. 1 shows an outline of the configuration of a network system 100 including a user terminal 110 and a server 106. The user terminal 110 includes a communication device 105 for communicating with a server 130 via the Internet 120, a storage device 102 for recording personal information, data, and programs, a display device 103, an input device 104 for receiving input from a user, and a control device 101 for controlling these devices. The server 130 includes a communication device 131 for communicating with the user terminal 110 via the Internet 120, a large-capacity storage device 133, and a control device 132. The control device 132 is equipped with a communication control program for communicating with the user terminal 110 via the communication device 131, and also stores a program for managing a database constructed in the storage device 133, a dedicated program for managing a symptom record (diary) that records the user's current or past symptoms and conditions (hereinafter also referred to as a symptom diary program), server-side programs for self-care apps and treatment apps, and data such as workbooks and disease education videos that are treatment modules for the self-care apps and treatment apps. The server-side control program then works in conjunction with the user-side self-care and treatment apps to perform diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, improvement, maintenance, or self-care, and the control device 132 provides the information necessary for self-care and treatment to the user terminal in conjunction with the communication control program and database management program. This allows the server 130 to provide diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, improvement, maintenance, or self-care to the user. While this example illustrates an example in which the self-care and treatment app is divided into a server-side portion and a user-terminal portion, each of which performs diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, improvement, maintenance, or self-care, it may also be configured such that all necessary programs and data are downloaded to the user terminal 110 and can be executed independently by the user terminal 110. Alternatively, the user terminal 110 may function only as an input means and a display means, and the server 130 may execute programs based on input from the user terminal 110, for example, via a dedicated web page.

[0011] (Stress management method) Psychotherapy and psychological counseling techniques have been established as methods for helping subjects learn ways to cope with stress. While the present invention illustrates a stress coping method based on cognitive behavioral therapy, other psychotherapeutic techniques can also be applied. Furthermore, by acquiring stress coping techniques, it becomes possible to increase stress tolerance on a daily basis and prevent various maladaptive behaviors and symptom problems, which in turn leads to improvement in stress-related diseases and symptoms, and also enhances the effectiveness of psychological interventions for symptoms. Systematic stress coping methods are psychotherapy methods that systematically implement a series of steps, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (building a foundation (interview, exploring mindfulness, how you see the world and yourself, being with your own body), responding to stress (what is stress, stress: automatic reaction or mindful response, mindful communication, a silent day), and caring (caring for yourself, reflecting, moving forward, continuing on), or, in the case of problem-solving methods, specifying the problem, thinking of specific solutions, considering the advantages and disadvantages of each of several solutions, deciding on a solution, implementing it, and evaluating the results of implementing it).

[0012] (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Techniques) In recent years, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been developed as a third-generation cognitive behavioral therapy. ACT has six core processes: (1) acceptance, (2) defusion, (3) present-moment awareness, (4) self-context, (5) values, and (6) committed action. It is a psychotherapy based on modern behavioral psychology, including relational frame theory, that applies the acceptance or mindfulness process together with the commitment and behavioral change process ((1)-(4) are said to be related to mindfulness). By acquiring the skills corresponding to each of these processes, patients develop psychological flexibility and the ability to cope with stress. The inventors of this application believe that these processes in ACT are suitable for use on information processing devices because they are separated and training methods for each process are established, making them suitable for use on information processing devices. However, the above classification is not strictly necessary; different classifications are acceptable as long as each objective is achieved, and it goes without saying that not all of the processes need to be implemented.

[0013] (Symptom Memory) The symptom memory records the user's daily condition using calendar and schedule functions. The questions posed to the user can be tailored to the psychosomatic disorder being addressed. The app can also select the questions required to match the user's symptoms. Alternatively, a wide range of psychosomatic symptoms and questions can be stored in advance in a storage device. When using the app, the user is prompted to answer questions, and the corresponding list of questions is set as daily questions in the symptom memory based on the user's answers. Because psychosomatic symptoms can be self-treated by managing a symptom record, it is desirable for the app to allow the user to request a display of the progress of their daily symptom status. Figure 2(a) shows an example of a symptom memory database stored in a storage device. This database shows a record of date and time information associated with the user's answers to questions (in this case, entered using a four-point or seven-point scale). Typically, the app can simultaneously associate and store not only questions but also vital data such as body temperature, heart rate, and activity level, as well as information about social events such as trips, weddings, and drinking parties.

[0014] (PMS memory) Using Figure 2, we will explain the PMS memory as one type of symptom memory. The PMS memory simultaneously records physical, mental, and social symptoms, etc., synchronized with the user's menstrual cycle, along with basal body temperature and EMA (Ecological Momentary Assessment, or EMA), in order to understand symptoms that periodically appear in a woman's body due to the influence of biological rhythms. Figure 2(b) shows an example of an input screen for the PMS memory via a user terminal 110, as an example of a symptom memory. In the PMS memory, input items are displayed on the display device 103 of the user terminal 110, and an example is shown in which the user inputs the presence or absence of symptoms for each item using a slider bar via the input device 104, which is a touch panel on the surface of the display device 103. (The question items in Figure 2(b) correspond to items A, B, etc. in Figure 2(a). Note that due to space limitations, only three items are shown, but it goes without saying that the other items are merely omitted.) The display and input methods are not limited to this; free text or check boxes may also be used. For example, this PMS memory is entered every day at the same time as measuring basal body temperature, and the basal body temperature and the day's physical symptoms, mental symptoms, and social symptoms (not all of these need to be included, but only the necessary ones), and in some cases additional EMA input data (not only data from the PMS memory, but also other measurement results (physical activity measured using an acceleration sensor, heart rate fluctuations measured using an electrocardiogram sensor, sleep time, and food records)) are associated with the menstrual cycle and stored in memory device 102 or memory device 133, or both.The questions to be recorded in the PMS Memory may include those listed in the PMS Memory (Kawase et al., Journal of the Japanese Society of Psychosomatic Medicine, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 31-37), the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), the polarized MDQ (modified MDQ), the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), the DSM-IV PMDD diagnostic criteria, the Calendar of Premenstrual Experiences (COPE), the Premenstrual Symptoms Impact Survey (PMSIS), the Diagnostic Inventory of Health and Life Habit (DIHAL.2, for junior high school students to adults), the Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ), and the VAS (menstrual pain level). These indicators can be used to diagnose menstrual symptoms. Furthermore, since it is believed that the psychosocial symptoms associated with menstruation are influenced by the user's psychological and social background, such as whether or not they wish to become pregnant, their views and images of menstruation, and their maternal and gender role personalities, questions about the user's basic information, such as whether or not they wish to become pregnant, their views and images of menstruation, and their maternal and gender role personalities, may also be recorded as questions.

[0015] (Sleep diary) FIG. 3(a) shows an example of sleep diary data stored in the storage device 133 (or storage device 102, in some cases). This sleep diary includes items such as the patient's bedtime, sleep onset time, awakening time, wake-up time, sleep quality (e.g., on a five-point scale), number of awakenings (or duration of awakening), duration of yesterday's nap, sleep efficiency, actual sleep time, time in bed, next-day tasks, and use of sleeping pills or alcohol. The system including the insomnia treatment app prompts the patient to periodically input values ​​for these items via the input screen (e.g., FIG. 3(b)) of the user terminal 110, such as a smartphone, typically promptly after waking up. The next-day tasks may also be entered after returning home, before setting a bedtime. Here, the next-day tasks are input values ​​indicating the risk of the next day's tasks or work, e.g., tasks or work that could pose a physical risk if the patient falls asleep. When this box is checked or when the user's sleepiness is rated 4 or higher on a 5-point scale, it is preferable from a safety perspective to set the bedtime to avoid settings that would shorten the user's actual sleep time (e.g., avoid shortening the bedtime if the user's daytime sleepiness is rated 4 on a 5-point scale). Other parameters, such as the number of sleeps, may also be input and stored. Since a correlation between a person's body temperature cycle and their circadian rhythm is known, and a correlation between a person's body temperature cycle and their sleep cycle is also known, it is possible to periodically measure the user's body temperature and graphically display a graph of the user's daily body temperature change and its relationship to bedtime, or to use this temperature change to set the user's bedtime or sleep onset time, or wakeup time or wakeup time (e.g., set the bedtime when the user's body temperature is decreasing, or set the wakeup time when the user's body temperature is increasing). In this way, the relationship between the user's vital signs and the user's bedtime or sleep onset time, or the wakeup time or wakeup time, may be displayed, or this data may be used to set these times. Also, while FIG. 3(a) shows the stored data as data for three days from July 1st to July 3rd, it goes without saying that records should be stored for the duration of treatment or for any required period.Furthermore, in the above example, the sleep diary is entered by the user via the user terminal 110, but it may also be entered automatically from a user terminal such as a wearable device.

[0016] Sleep efficiency refers to the percentage of time spent actually asleep relative to the total time spent in bed or other sleeping space. That is, sleep efficiency is calculated using the following formula: Sleep efficiency = (time from falling asleep to waking up) / (time from falling asleep to waking up) x 100 [%] Bed time is calculated using the following formula: Time in bed = time from bedtime to wake-up time The sleep time is calculated using the following formula: Sleep time = time from falling asleep to waking up The actual sleep time is calculated using the following formula: Actual sleep time = time from falling asleep to waking up - time awake In addition, these times and sleep quality may be obtained by data from actigraphy, polysomnography, or wearable devices such as smart beds and smart watches, instead of by user input. Furthermore, this data can be used to check the patient's condition and for user self-care by making it possible to call up patient data for a specific day, call up average data, and display data trends over a specific period (as a line graph, etc.) from the user terminal 110 or the terminal of an administrator or medical professional (not shown).

[0017] (Pain diary) Figure 4 shows an example of pain diary data stored in storage device 133 (or storage device 102, if applicable). This pain diary records the patient's pain level in the morning, afternoon, and evening, medication records in the morning, afternoon, and evening, the impact of pain on daily life in the morning, afternoon, and evening, mood of the day, weather, average temperature (maximum temperature, minimum temperature, temperature difference, etc. may also be recorded), average humidity (middle, afternoon, and evening humidity), body temperature (middle, afternoon, and evening humidity may also be recorded), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (middle, afternoon, and evening humidity may also be recorded), environmental factors, stress factors such as circumstances, and events and notes for the day, as well as whether or not a period occurred. The diary can be used for any type of chronic pain, such as chronic headaches, migraines, joint pain, or lower back pain. It may also be possible to record the type of pain. Figure 5 shows how to input each data item via user terminal 110. First, to enter the time of entry, click on the user input field, a drop-down box appears allowing the user to select "morning," "afternoon," or "night." Next, to enter the level of pain at the time of entry, click on the input field and select "strong," "medium," "weak," or "none" from the drop-down box. Next, click on the drop-down box for entering the medication name and quantity, and select the medication name (e.g., "Bufferin," "Loxonin," "Imigran," "Zomig," "Relvax," "Maxalt," "Amaze," or "Inderal") and the dosage (e.g., "1 tablet," "2 tablets," or "3 tablets"). Next, to record the impact of pain on daily life, click on the user input field and select "high," "medium," or "low" from the drop-down box that appears. Furthermore, to record the mood of the day, click on the user input field next to "mood" and select the emotion or symptom (e.g., "depression," "anxiety," "irritability," "throbbing pain," "nausea," "severe pain," "vomiting," "insomnia," or "other." Women can also enter whether they are menstruating. Finally, click on the user input field to enter their body temperature and blood pressure measured at regular times each day. Furthermore, the user clicks on the user input field for the day's weather, selects "sunny," "cloudy," or "rainy" from the drop-down box that appears, and enters the temperature and humidity in the user input field and stores them.Once all input is complete, click the "Done" button (not shown) to overwrite the input values ​​in the list shown in Figure 4. Although the user manually inputs the weather, temperature, and humidity in the above example, they can be downloaded from local weather information websites. Furthermore, body temperature and blood pressure can be automatically acquired from a smartphone camera, a smartwatch, an earphone-type wearable device, or the like. Alternatively, a touch button can be provided as an input device, configured to be pressed each time pain is felt, and the degree of pain can be determined from the intensity and frequency of the touch. Alternatively, if a headache state can be recognized from pulse rate or other vital signs, such information can be used to input the data. Other input methods known to those skilled in the art can also be used to input these data, and items can be added or removed. Here, date information is automatically acquired from a smartphone, but it can also be entered by the user. The list in Figure 4 shows an example of data from March 1 to March 3, but this is not limited to this, and data can of course be added continuously. Furthermore, by linking these data with the user terminal 110 or a terminal (not shown) of an administrator or medical institution, it is possible to call up patient data for a specific day from these terminals, or to call up and display data that has been compiled and analyzed for easy evaluation, such as average data, or data trends over a specific period (as a line graph, etc.), which can be useful for checking the patient's condition and for the user's self-care (data may be sent periodically in addition to being called up). Furthermore, by linking this data with software such as electronic medical records on a medical institution's terminal, data can be transferred to the software, or specific data can be transferred to the software for use at the medical institution. The pain diary can also be used as a medication management app, and may be configured to record the time of administration, the name of the medication taken, and the number of medications taken. Here, for frequently taken medications, buttons may be displayed on the input screen to make them easy to select, and when the button is pressed to take the medication, the number of times the button was pressed and the time may be recorded. Furthermore, a graph showing the correlation between medication management and pain, a line graph of the data for both, etc. may be displayed, or this data may be transferred to a medical institution's terminal.

[0018] Example 1 This example illustrates a self-care app for menstrual symptoms (especially PMS). This app is configured with a first half for stress management (stress care) and a second half for symptom management (if only stress care is intended, the app can be configured with only the first half). This app is controlled by a software program stored in either the server 130 or the user's information processing terminal 110, or both. This program consists of the functional blocks shown in FIG. 6(a) and controls the devices having the functions shown in FIG. 1 to provide the user with the software program functions. The software program typically operates according to the flow shown in FIG. 6(b). The input / output block 601 controls the display device 103 and input device 104, presents information (including tasks, etc.) to the user, and accepts user input. The evaluation block 602 performs a predetermined evaluation based on the information input from each block. The schedule management block 603 has a calendar function, associates date information with various information, and processes the information in cooperation with the memory management block 605. The work provision block 604 is a block that, in accordance with the flow of the program, receives a request for work provision from the control block 606 and sends the work to the input / output block 601 in cooperation with the memory management block 605. The memory management block 605 controls the system's memory devices 102, 133, and returns information such as requested work and data in response to requests from the control block 606 and other blocks. The control block 606 is a block that controls the execution of this program. Figure 7 shows an example of a home screen that follows this program.FIG. 7 shows an information processing terminal 110, which is a user's smartphone; a main window 701 that displays the user's predicted menstrual period, vital data, weather, barometric pressure and their forecasts, and the state of the menstrual cycle; a function window 702 for activating a predetermined function by touching a tile (icon) 706 on the touch panel (hidden tiles can be viewed by scrolling horizontally, and these function buttons are fixed); a search window 703; an information window 704 for viewing predetermined information or activating a function by touching a tile (icon) 705 on the touch panel (hidden tiles can be viewed by scrolling vertically, and icons corresponding to new information and functions are added to tiles in the information window at the top of the screen, and old information is moved to the bottom of the information window, and the desired information is displayed); A fixed number of tiles can be viewed (in this embodiment, 18 tiles can be viewed, and older tiles are controlled to be deleted from the tiles in the information window. In this embodiment, older information is organized by category and date in the archive folder that opens when the archive function in the function window is activated, and is set up so that it can be viewed). In this embodiment, the tiles of information displayed are managed in the memory of the storage device, and the memory is numbered 1-18, starting with the most recent information, with 1-3 displayed from the left at the top of the information window, 4-6 displayed on the second row, and so on. When a request is made to display new information, the new information is stored in 1, and the original information for 1 is rewritten in memory 2, the original information for 2 is rewritten in memory 3, and so on.

[0019] Next, the flow of the software program will be explained with reference to FIG. 6(b). (650) The user logs in from a login screen (not shown) that is activated by touching an icon representing this program on the touch panel of the display device 103 of the information processing terminal 110 controlled by the input / output control block 601. This displays the home screen of FIG. 7. (651) The schedule management function block 603 requests the memory management block 605 whether or not there is any input to the PMS memory at the timing when data for the day should be entered. The memory management block 605 searches the database of the storage device 133 or storage device 102 and returns a response indicating whether or not there is any record. If there is no record, the schedule management block 604 presents questions that the user should store in the PMS memory via the input / output block 601. Upon receiving the user's input, the schedule management block 604 sends the input to the memory management block 605, which adds the data to the database storing the personal data for each user stored in the PMS memory. (652) The self-care function is initiated when the user launches a self-mental care app, or when a condition is met, such as a change in the user's vital signs or the detection of a specific user input on a social networking site, and the launch of the app is requested, or when the timing for launching the app is specified in the program description. The schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to provide educational content (typically videos, but text format, audio content, interactive content in the form of chatbots or games as exercises, etc.) about multiple disease education and psychotherapy for PMS and menstrual symptoms (in the case of ACT, this would include metaphors and psychoeducation about trapped thinking, psychoeducation about psychological flexibility and values, psychoeducation about value-based behavior, psychoeducation about acceptance and experiential avoidance, psychoeducation about fusion, attention training, psychoeducation about the self as a context, and psychoeducation about the ineffectiveness of experiential avoidance, etc.) at predetermined time intervals and in a predetermined order, in this case, one content every morning according to a list that defines the order in which these contents are provided.In response to this request, the control block 606 sends a request to the storage management block 605, and the storage management block reads the corresponding content from the storage device 133 or 102 and sends it to the control block 606, which then sends it to the input / output block 601. The input / output block provides the corresponding content to the user via the display device 103 and input device 104 as needed. The actual screen changes from the main window in FIG. 7 to a page providing the corresponding content. For example, in the case of a video, the corresponding content video is provided as a new tile in the upper left corner of the information window on the screen (not shown). The user returns to the main window by touching the "Back" button (not shown) on the screen or by ending the content. In addition, the schedule management block 603 monitors the execution status of the user, and if it was interrupted, it stores the execution status. The control block 606 controls the execution so that it resumes from the interrupted point the next time it is started. If the user has completed the corresponding content, the process moves to the next step. When the schedule management block 603 attempts to provide new content according to the list containing the provision schedule, if it detects that the previous content has not yet finished, it can request the control block 606 to control the display of the previous content in the upper left corner instead of providing the new content. The content of this app can be in the form of text, audio, video, game, or other formats, such as chatbots. A content group using one of these formats or a combination of these formats depending on the content may be provided. Alternatively, a single piece of content may be created in multiple formats, which can be set in advance or selected by the user each time. Furthermore, the user's usage history, for example, the app usage history, may be monitored and recorded using the monitoring device 106, and content may be provided in the form of video if the user frequently watches videos, or in the form of a chatbot if the user frequently uses social media.

[0020] (653) In this embodiment, the core processes based on ACT are ten exercises for "Self as Context," "Acceptance," "Defusion," and "Now and Now," and six for "Values" and "Commitment." Although three exercises are used here, this is not a limitation; any process based on the six processes of ACT may be used (for example, it may be implemented as four processes, such as "Mindfulness," "Defusion," "Now and Now," and "Acceptance"). The scale used below is merely an example, and it goes without saying that well-known scales can be used depending on the purpose. First, the control block 606 administers the PMDD assessment scale questions to the user. That is, the control block 606 requests the appropriate scale from the memory management block 605. In response to the request, the memory management block 605 reads the appropriate scale from the storage device 133 or 102 and sends it to the control block 606. The control block 606 then sends it to the input / output block 601. The input / output block displays the scale items on the display device 103, and the user answers via the input device 104. For each item, it is convenient to select a numerically translatable selection method, such as a four-point, five-point, or seven-point scale, which allows users to select responses such as "Agree," "Somewhat Agree," "Not Very Agree," or "Disagree." The evaluation block 602 then determines the user's PMDD status based on the response results (typically a total score or a total score for each factor included in the scale). The evaluation block 602 then requests a list of correspondences between the scale, known scores, and symptoms from the memory management block 605. The memory management block 605 retrieves the corresponding list from the storage device 133 or 102 and returns it to the evaluation block 602. The evaluation block then evaluates the user's condition by comparing the user's response scores with this list. The evaluation block 602 then transmits the results to the memory management block 605, which stores them in a database of the storage device 133 or 102 that stores personal data for each user (the following procedures for obtaining and evaluating the scale responses are similar). Next, to measure psychological flexibility, the user's responses are obtained using the AAQ-II scale in the same manner as described above and stored in the user's personal data.It is also possible to prompt the user to answer questions on scales such as the FFMQ or CFQ, and have the answers stored in the user's personal data and used as base data.

[0021] Next, exercises based on the theory of ACT are provided for each process of ACT. Memory 133 or 102 contains the following exercises: "Self as Context" (well-known exercises such as the observer exercise, MCT (Metacognitive Therapy) free association task, and chessboard metaphor to understand the self as observer / perspective = self as field / context), "Acceptance" (well-known exercises such as the ice squeeze exercise to open up to painful internal events and take the time to do so), "Value Clarification" (well-known exercises such as the ice squeeze exercise to clarify the values ​​of what actions you will take continuously), and "Value Clarification" (well-known exercises such as the ice squeeze exercise to clarify the values ​​of what actions you will take continuously). The following exercises are stored: "Self as Context," "Acceptance," "Defusion," and "Now" (well-known exercises, such as choosing an area of ​​personal value that one considers important, such as work / career or friends / social life exercises); "Defusion" (well-known exercises, such as the Bass exercise, which helps one distance oneself from or detach from and observe internal events, and the exercise of rephrasing oneself as having "I..."); "Now" (well-known exercises, such as focusing attention on the sound of an orchestral instrument, the appearance, taste, smell, and texture of gummy candy, and the sensations of various parts of the body, which help one connect with and immerse oneself in what is happening in the present moment); and "Committed Action" (well-known exercises, such as work that encourages value-based commitment, which helps one take effective action guided by one's values). In this example, ten exercises are provided for "Self as Context," "Acceptance," "Defusion," and "Now" (well-known exercises, such as choosing an area of ​​personal value that one considers important, such as work on ... In addition, educational content related to each process may also be provided.

[0022] Next, the implementation of exercises and other work in flow 653 will be described. While there are no specific rules regarding the order in which each process is performed, for example, measures such as the FFMQ or CFQ could be used to begin with relatively weaker processes. Alternatively, when starting the 653, the user could be asked questions about which of the six processes they are interested in, and the order could be determined based on the user's responses. Alternatively, the user could be asked questions to assess their characteristics in advance, such as the BIG5, Enneagram, or MBTI, and the order and the processes to be provided could be determined based on the user's characteristics. For example, if the BIG5 indicates low emotional stability, the program could offer "Acceptance" followed by "Defusion." If the user's curiosity is high, the program could offer "Now, This Moment" and then "Defusion," thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the user's exercise. Furthermore, instead of asking questions to the user via an information processing device, well-known technology (e.g., Patent Publication No. 2022-189376) that evaluates characteristics such as the BIG5 based on smartphone usage history could be used to make decisions without increasing the burden on the user. In this embodiment, the exercise is set to start with "Now, This Moment" and "Defusion," which are important processes in many cases. Furthermore, the interaction between each block of the software program and each function of the hardware is similar to that described above, so details are omitted. Furthermore, prior to executing the exercise program, the control block 606 can prompt the user to answer a scale such as the FFMQ or CFQ, and the results of those answers can be used as a basis.

[0023] First, the schedule management block 603 provides the "Drink Tea" exercise, which is included in the "Now, This Moment" exercise set. That is, at 10:00 AM on the start day, the control block 606 requests that an icon for launching the "Drink Tea" exercise be displayed in the latest tile (top left) of the information window. The schedule management block 603 records the user's execution of the exercise. As with the educational content, if the user has not performed the exercise, the schedule management block 603 may not only provide the exercise according to the schedule, but may also control the schedule management block 603 to re-install the unperformed or paused exercise in the latest tile. To count the number of times the user has performed an exercise, for example, a "Performance Count" button can be provided on the exercise page, which accumulates the count each time the user touches the button. Points can then be awarded based on the number of times the exercise has been performed, providing an incentive. Next, as described above, at 10:00 AM the next day, the schedule management block 603 displays the next exercise, "Read Text While Focusing on Your Feet," in the latest tile according to the schedule list. Furthermore, the schedule management block 603 provides the user with the next exercise according to the list every morning until the fifth day, encouraging the user to perform it. On the sixth day, a subscale of the FFMQ (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire) is used to measure the proficiency of the "Now Moment" process (the scale is not limited to this, and other scales used in ACT, such as the MAAS (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale), can also be used). In this embodiment, the evaluation block 602 compares this evaluation result with the user's previous evaluation result (stored in personal data), and if improvement is observed, or if this is the second time the five-day work set for this process has been completed, the process is set to proceed to the next step. Note that this setting can be modified as needed, such as not obtaining a scale, proceeding to the next step without evaluating the scale, or repeating the same process until the evaluation result not only improves but also reaches a predetermined level of improvement (since the work set for this process has 10 exercises, the same exercises are repeated from the third time onwards).

[0024] Next, the schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to provide a "defusion" exercise, similar to the "Now, This Moment" exercise described above. Here, the CFQ (Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire) is used for evaluation (though the scale is not limited to this and other scales used in ACT can also be used).

[0025] Next, the schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to provide an "acceptance" exercise in the same way as the "Now, This Moment" exercise. Here, the APQ (Acceptance Process Questionnaire) is used for evaluation (though the scale is not limited to this and other scales used in ACT can also be used).

[0026] Next, the schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to provide the "Self-as-context" exercise in the same way as the "Now, This Moment" exercise. Here, the evaluation uses the SACS (Self-as-Context Scale) or a subscale of the FFMQ (scales are not limited to these, and other scales used in ACT can also be used).

[0027] Next, the schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to perform the "Clarifying Values" exercise, thereby carrying out the value work. The schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to display a tile for launching the value work exercise as the latest tile in the information window at 10:00 AM the following morning. When the user touches the tile, the control block 606 prompts the user to select one to three areas of value that the user considers important from ten areas of value (e.g., work / occupation, friends / social life), and then controls the input / output block 601 to input "behaviors" that the user considers valuable within the selected areas in free text. The control block 606 then sends the input "behaviors" to the memory management block 605 for storage. Whether or not the user is engaging in value-based behavior is evaluated using a Valuing Questionnaire (VQ) (the scale is not limited to this and other scales used in ACT can also be used).

[0028] Next, the schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to perform the "committed action" exercise, thereby carrying out the value work. The schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to display a tile for starting the value work exercise in the latest tile of the information window at 10:00 the next morning. When the tile is touched by the user, the control block 606 displays the values ​​entered in the value clarification at the top of the screen and displays a window at the bottom for entering actions in line with short-term, medium-term, and long-term values. The control block 606 sends the entered actions to the memory management block 605 and stores them. Whether or not the committed action is being performed is similarly evaluated using a VQ (Valuing Questionnaire) (the scale is not limited to this and other scales used in ACT can also be used).

[0029] Here, the control block 606 again measures the user's AAQ-II, FFMQ, and CFQ scores, and graphically displays the changes in the AAQ-II score and the six process values, for example, as a line graph of the AAQ-II score change and a hexagonal radar chart of the six process changes, allowing the user to visually understand the effectiveness of this program. The changes in these graphs over time can be checked at any time by accessing the user's personal data.

[0030] As described above, a systematic basic program for stress management based on ACT was provided. Next, the evaluation block 602 evaluated the results of the six processes (using the FFMQ, CFQ, or other scales of the six ACT processes) and implemented the processes for which the user scored relatively low in "Self as Context," "Acceptance," "Defusion," and "Now and Here and Now." The implementation method was the same as for each process described above. After one month of implementation, the evaluation block 602 evaluated the user's psychological flexibility and proficiency in each process using the AAQ-II, FFMQ, CFQ, and VQ. If necessary (e.g., when the value achievement rate is low and the value needs to be reassessed, or when the goal is achieved and needs to be reset), the above-mentioned processes for "Clarifying Values" and "Committed Action" were implemented again. When this turn ended, the process was repeated, starting with the processes with the lowest scores, based on the evaluation results of the six processes. If the AAQ-II score continues to reach a certain level, indicating psychological flexibility, the exercises can be stopped. The AAQ-II and the six processes can be evaluated periodically, for example, monthly, and the exercises can be resumed if psychological flexibility or proficiency in any of the processes declines, or if psychological flexibility declines after the AAQ-II. The six ACT processes can be repeated as desired. For example, the processes and order of the processes to be provided can be determined based on the pattern of process evaluation scores. A list of multiple patterns, the processes to be provided, and their order (if more than one) can be stored in a storage device. The evaluation block 602 compares the user's evaluation score with this list to determine the next process to be provided. After the provided process(es) is completed, the next process can be determined by evaluating the process(es) using a scale. Alternatively, the evaluation scores of each process and the evaluation scores after the execution of subsequent processes can be used as training data to build a model through machine learning. The evaluation scores can be input into this model to suggest recommended processes, and the execution and evaluation of these processes can be repeated.

[0031] (654) Next, the second function of the evaluation block 602 will be explained using the example of self-care for disease-specific symptoms of PMS. The evaluation block 602 is also a block that has the function of analyzing personal data in the PMS memory entered by the user. The system also has a function to calculate and predict the next menstrual period from past menstrual periods entered by the user, and to analyze the relationship between the mental and physical symptoms of PMS and symptoms such as abdominal pain entered by the user and the menstrual period (for example, if it is found from past input that the user tends to complain of mental symptoms such as "irritability" four days before the menstrual period and physical symptoms such as "abdominal pain" for three days after the menstrual period, the system calculates a prediction of the next menstrual period along with a prediction of "irritability" four days before and "abdominal pain" for three days after the menstrual period, and sends these to the schedule management block 603. The schedule management block 603 reads out a list of intervention dates and intervention processes for each disease stored in the storage device, and controls so that the predicted date for PMS in the list related to PMS is set as the intervention date, and the set intervention program is provided on that date and time. In this embodiment, if the result of predicting that the next menstrual period is April 10th is issued, the list will include a "defusion" process to be generated on April 6th. Write down the process for four days, until April 10th. Also, write down the process for three days on April 10th. For many mental and psychosomatic disorders, there are effective interventions for addressing the symptoms. For example, in the case of PMS, it is expected that fusion occurs, such as "I feel irritated and lash out at others, and they dislike me," so "defusion" is effective. For menstrual pain, it is expected that recollections of past pain exacerbate unpleasant symptoms, so "now and now" exercises and "mindfulness" exercises are effective. These exercises can be the same as the exercises used to develop psychological flexibility, but it is more convenient to use modified versions tailored to the symptoms of the disorder. (For example, create a version of the "tea" exercise, replacing "tea" with "menstrual pain" and repeating it aloud for 20 seconds.)

[0032] The schedule management block 603 manages both the exercises for the process of cultivating psychological flexibility and the exercises for the process of self-care for disease-specific symptoms. When both are implemented in parallel, a situation may arise in which an exercise for the former process and an exercise for the latter process are provided at the same time. In this case, the schedule management block 603 can simply provide both exercises, pause the former exercise and perform the latter, or, if the exercises provided at the same time have the same theme—for example, "defusion"—provide the latter "defusion" process exercise instead of the former "defusion" process exercise, or provide both exercises but at different times. Furthermore, since the order of delivery can be important depending on the process or exercise, the schedule management block 603 records exercises that would cause problems if the delivery order were reversed in the list. For example, if exercise C must not be provided before exercise D in the defusion exercises, the schedule management block 603 can adjust the process or change the order of delivery of the exercises so that exercise C comes before exercise D when it is scheduled to be provided in the latter process. In parallel with these functions, the schedule management block 603 performs daily input to the PMS memory and input to the EMA, as well as acquisition and recording of data from the monitoring device, in cooperation with the control block 606, memory management block 605, and input / output block 601. Finally, evaluation is performed using a scale, such as the PMDD scale, to evaluate symptoms specific to the disease.

[0033] In this example, each process is packaged as a set of work to master the theme, making it easy to measure the proficiency of each process, and psychotherapy can be provided automatically using an information processing terminal, making it easy to repeat.In addition, by measuring each process using an evidence-based scale, reliability and accuracy of confirming effectiveness are increased. In accordance with the spirit of the present invention, it is preferable for the psychotherapy to include all elements necessary for mastering stress coping, such as the six processes for cultivating psychological flexibility in ACT and the four processes related to mindfulness in ACT. However, because each process is related, several processes can be combined and provided as a work set (a set of exercises) (e.g., "defusion," "mindfulness," and "value clarification"). In this case, it is convenient to have three or more processes in order to confirm proficiency (and it would be even more convenient if each of these processes had an evaluation scale). However, depending on the purpose of the app being developed, it is not necessary to include all necessary elements (e.g., the six processes of ACT). Note that, for the purposes of explanation, this example uses PMS, which has a part for cultivating stress coping skills and a part for alleviating disease-specific symptoms. However, if the purpose is solely stress coping, the system can be configured with only the stress coping part.

[0034] Example 2 In this example, an example of applying the present invention to self-care for sleep disorders will be described. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MSBR) is used as a systematic stress reduction method. The mindfulness-based stress reduction method consists of (1) body scan (chewing meditation exercises, breathing exercises, and body scan exercises), (2) body scan and yoga (body scan exercises, yoga exercises, and walking meditation exercises), and (3) seated meditation and yoga (seated meditation exercises and yoga exercises). As with the ACT process, the delivery method can be selected from text, audio, video, and game formats. However, since video is well suited to mindfulness, this embodiment provides video exercises. Specifically, the storage device 102 or storage device 133 stores exercise work sets for the themes (1) to (3), as well as educational video content on mindfulness and educational video content on sleep disorders. The application program configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 6(a). The functions and operations of each block and the hardware components of the information processing device 110 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so details are omitted.

[0035] The application program flow is similar to that shown in Figure 6(b), with the control block 606 coordinating with each block to control it. First, (650) the user logs in to the application and launches it. Next, (651) the symptom memory stores data such as that shown in Figure 3(a) as personal data and inputs it via an input screen such as that shown in Figure 3(b). The input details are the same as those for the PMS memory. Also, at this stage, the user's response data on the FFMQ scale is acquired and stored as personal data to serve as a baseline for verifying the effectiveness of self-care. (652) The control block 606 cooperates with the schedule management block 603 to first provide the user with educational content (653): content (1) in weeks 1 and 2, content (2) in weeks 3 and 4, and content (3) in weeks 5 and 6. Here, the user is prompted to answer the FFMQ scale again, and the results are obtained. The evaluation block 602 then compares and analyzes the results with the baseline data and graphically presents the effectiveness to the user. If the results of this comparative analysis show that the FFMQ score does not reach the predetermined value, the process of providing exercises for themes (1)-(3) is repeated. Also, evaluation using a rating scale is conducted between (1), (2), and (3), and if the predetermined standard is not reached, corrections can be made by repeating the previous steps. (654) Disease-specific interventions for insomnia, such as the "here and now" process, mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, stimulant fishing, sleep restriction, progressive muscle relaxation, and sleep scheduling, are known and can be used. The "Now, This Moment" process can be applied to the user through cooperation between the control block 606 and the schedule management block 603, similar to the application of the "Defusion" and "Now, This Moment" processes in the first embodiment. (In the present invention, the same exercises as those in the self-care function for stress management or modified versions for sleep disorders may be used.) The difference from the first embodiment is the timing of application. The timing is determined when the evaluation block 602 compares the user's sleep efficiency in the sleep memory with the user's normal sleep efficiency or with the sleep efficiency of the typical age group and evaluates that there is a problem. Alternatively, the evaluation block 602 evaluates the user's tendencies recorded in the sleep memory and transmits the time when it evaluates that a sleep disorder is likely to occur to the schedule management block 603, and the process is executed at that timing. In this case, the schedule management block 603 controls the process in cooperation with the control block 606 so that the exercises are provided during the period when a sleep disorder occurs. As a variation of this embodiment, if cognitive restructuring is provided as the exercise to be provided, a well-known technique (e.g., Patent Document 4) can be provided instead of "Now, This Moment." The schedule management block 603 can coordinate the provision of stress coping exercises and disease-specific exercises, as in Example 1. Finally, assessment using a scale is performed. If the intervention is based on the same principles as those provided for stress coping (e.g., "in the moment" exercises or exercises adapted to the symptoms), the same scale (e.g., subfactors of the FFMQ) can be used, or a scale specific to the symptoms of the disease (e.g., BPS, PSQI, ISI, AIS) can be used. Furthermore, these assessment results can be provided to the user over time to increase user satisfaction.

[0036] Example 3 The mechanisms of symptom development for many diseases have been elucidated, and the appropriate interventions for alleviating stress-related illnesses have been determined (e.g., as in the above-mentioned examples). However, for some diseases, the causes are complex and intertwined, and simply implementing well-known interventions may not improve symptoms. The inventors have realized that this often occurs when the major contributing factor to the disease is not the patient himself, but rather the social factors surrounding the patient. Therefore, we will use ED (erectile dysfunction) as an example of such a disease. Note that similar causes may be suspected when symptom relief is not seen for the above-mentioned diseases, so the method of this example may also be applied. In the case of ED, a partner is a prerequisite for its development, so social influences are strong. Therefore, the causes of disease-specific symptoms are assessed and an intervention policy is determined. The implementation of the work set for improving stress coping ability is similar to that described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0037] When applying this to ED, first, before running the self-care app, an assessment is conducted on the user to identify the cause of the disease in parallel with the AAQ-II measurement. The assessment can be performed using evaluation scales in the same manner as in the previous examples. When evaluating these diseases, scales measuring biopsychosocial factors and the state of the disease are required. In this example, the general SF-36 was used as a scale to measure biopsychosocial factors, and in particular, since evaluation of partner relationships is required, the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMS) and other well-known scales such as the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit (ASCOT), a social care-related quality of life scale, can also be used. The International Erectile Function Score 5 (IIEF 5) and CFQ were used to evaluate the severity of general ED. Assessment is performed in the evaluation block 602. Based on the scores of the factors included in these scales, the user is first classified into Group 1 (not ED), Group 2 (ED), and Group 3 (ED but very severe) based on the IIEF-5 score. No specific intervention is performed for Group 1, while Group 3 is deemed beyond the level of self-care and a message is sent to the user recommending a medical consultation. For Group 2, the KMS scale is further evaluated. If the marital relationship is evaluated as poor, the user is classified as Group 2a. If the SF-36 score is low and the CFQ shows no tendency toward cognitive fusion, the user is classified as Group 2b, indicating excessive stress. Otherwise, the user is classified as Group 3c, indicating anticipatory anxiety. Classification methods are not limited to this; arbitrary scale combinations can be used, and conditional branching based on each score or a combination of multiple scales can be used. Next, a list (not shown) listing the correspondence between groups and intervention work sets is referenced, and a predetermined work set is provided. The procedure for how the schedule management function provides work sets is also described, and the schedule management block 603 provides the work sets to the user based on that. In addition, the list may be configured to store the results of evaluations based on a scale, and machine learning may be performed on that data as training data to build a model, which may then be used to update the list.(This allows for optimization of the intervention work set, exercises, evaluation scales, branching conditions, branching procedures, etc.).

[0038] (Other Examples) As an application of the present invention, in order to provide a systematic stress coping method, techniques such as "problem-focused coping" and "emotion-focused coping," such as well-known problem-solving methods, can be used to provide the user with a systematic stress coping method, as in the above-described embodiment. In addition, a process (a set of exercises) for self-care of disease-specific symptoms may be provided in combination with this. Processes available for chronic pain and migraines include "acceptance," "defusion," and "being in the present moment." (Other exercises for implementing psychological therapies for self-care of symptoms such as chronic pain may also be used.) In this embodiment, the evaluation block 602 also analyzes the user's pain diary to analyze the timing of the user's pain occurrence (changes in atmospheric pressure and weather, periodicity, and association with events) and transmits the timing to the schedule management block 603. The schedule management block 603 and the control block 606 work together to provide and adjust a process for self-care of disease symptoms. Apps for self-care of symptoms of other diseases can be similarly configured. For example, in addition to the stress coping methods of these embodiments, a process for self-care of the symptoms of each disease (for example, acceptance, defusion, and the present moment for menopausal disorders) can be provided, and the timing of providing the process can be adjusted by the evaluation block 602 and the schedule management block 603, and the control block 606 can provide the process.

[0039] In the above example, the stress coping method provision part and the disease symptom coping part are exemplified by providing exercises based on the same psychological theory and by providing exercises based on different psychological theories, but providing exercises based on the same theory is more consistent and effective.

[0040] (Other Examples: Integrated Medical Care System) This app is not limited to a specific disease, but can be used as a self-care app for the symptoms of multiple diseases. In this case, the system may include a medical interview function (typically implemented by an input / output block) for inquiring about the user's symptoms / diseases, a calendar function (typically implemented by a schedule management block) that serves as the basis for each functional block and symptom memory of the program, a work set for stress management, the underlying symptom memory, a set of questions for each disease to be added to the symptom memory, and a work set for self-care processes for symptoms for each disease. A process for inputting the user's symptoms after launching the app is provided. The evaluation block 602 analyzes the input results by comparing them with a list (an example of which is shown in FIG. 8 ) stored in the storage device, which shows the relationship between symptoms and diseases and the processing items in the evaluation block 602 and the schedule block 603. For example, if the user inputs "can't sleep," the list is referenced, and if the result is symptom (can't sleep)-disease (sleep disorder), questions for sleep disorder are set in the symptom memory, and the control block 606 provides a work set for stress management and a work set for alleviating sleep disorder symptoms in cooperation with the evaluation block 602 and the schedule management block 603. The system according to the present invention described above can be applied to the integrated medical care system of this embodiment.

[0041] (Other examples: Life stage compatible platforms) The present invention relates to a system that can change its program for each user's life stage and can be applied to the aforementioned system. The system includes a medical interview function (typically implemented by an input / output block) for collecting information about the user's biopsychosocial factors, a calendar function (typically implemented by a schedule management block) that serves as the basis for each program function block and symptom memory, a work set for stress management, a basic symptom memory, a set of questions for each anticipated disease or mental disorder to be added to the symptom memory, a work set for a self-care process for symptoms of each disease, and a set of scales corresponding to each life stage. Figure 8 shows a table comparing several biopsychosocial conditions and the system requirements as an example of a user's life stage. This table shows an example of a list of biopsychosocial factors, such as gender, age, student or working status, parental status, whether or not the user has responsibilities (e.g., managerial position), whether or not the user has menstrual periods, whether or not the user has sleep problems, and whether or not the user has pain (note that these are merely examples; other biopsychosocial factors may be added, or the listed items may be deleted), along with the system requirements associated with these biopsychosocial factors. For example, an 18-year-old female student who is menstruating falls into Type 3, and the system would set the physiological function in the calendar function and the PMS self-care function. Regarding the scale, for example, while the AAQ-II was used to assess psychological flexibility in the above example, the AFQ-Y (Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth), which measures psychological inflexibility in young people from childhood to adolescence, could be used instead, with the other indicators remaining the same. Similarly, for a 35-year-old stay-at-home mother with a sleep disorder, physiological and sleep items would be set as symptom memory, and the user would enter a combined questionnaire of these items. Since postpartum depression is also a possibility, a depression scale (e.g., the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) would be added to the scale set, and the user's responses would be obtained along with the psychological flexibility scale. If depression is detected, a depression work set would be provided.Additionally, work sets for stress management and specific illnesses can be tailored to biopsychosocial factors. For example, for men over 45, text-based reading materials could be provided, while for those under 20, manga-style reading materials could be provided. This is not limited to the format of the work sets; the UI / UX of the app could also be tailored to biopsychosocial factors.

[0042] In the above-described embodiment, the system provider has provided users with exercises stored in a storage device. However, users can also devise their own exercises that fit the theme of the exercises. In this case, the user posts an exercise using a system posting function (not shown), and the system can add the exercise to a work set and update the work set used by the system. In this case, it is convenient to include a visual or AI-based review process to ensure that the post is correct. For example, for users with similar biopsychosocial factors (e.g., age, gender, and environment), the exercise may be more familiar than the original exercise. This avoids boredom by avoiding repeating the same exercise process over and over again, and it also encourages users to participate in the system and increase the rate of continued use.

[0043] (Other Examples: Survey Tools) The self-care system of the present invention typically has a work set of six ACT-based processes and a scale for evaluating each process. Here, this system can be applied to psychiatric or psychosomatic disorders for which it is unknown which processes are effective. The system monitors the patient's condition for each process, the patient's condition after the process is implemented, and changes in the severity of the disease using a scale for assessing the severity of the disease. By investigating the correlation between changes before and after intervention in each process and changes in the severity of the disease, it is possible to evaluate which process will lead to improvement of the disease. By applying this system to patients with diseases for which an effective process is unknown, it can be used as a tool for searching for effective processes. Furthermore, once an effective process is discovered, it can be modified to optimize the process for the symptoms of the disease and provided as a new treatment. By automatically applying this tool to a large number of patients using AI and analyzing the results, it is possible to automatically develop treatments for various diseases.

[0044] It has been instructed that the process exercises for self-care of disease-specific symptoms should be provided as short-term exercises when or before symptoms occur, or when symptoms are predicted to occur or before. However, this is not limited to this; if symptoms persist continuously or intermittently, the exercises can be performed for a specified period of time, and then evaluated using a scale. If an effect is observed, the same exercises can be repeated, or if an effect is not observed, other exercises can be provided.

[0045] The present invention has been described based on several embodiments, but it goes without saying that elements used in each embodiment can be added to and used in the configuration of other embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 100 System of the present invention 101 Control device 102 Storage device 103 Display device 104 Input Device 105 Communication equipment 106 Monitoring equipment 110 User's information processing terminal 120 Internet 130 servers 131 Communication equipment 132 Control device 133 Storage device

Claims

1. A system for self-care of stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, The system comprises: At least three process work sets implementing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy; a rating scale for rating proficiency in each of the at least three processes; a server that stores a control program for controlling the system and executes the control program; an information processing terminal for a user to execute the system; The control program prompts the user to execute the evaluation scale via the information processing terminal, executes at least one of three processes based on the evaluation results of the evaluation scale, and provides the user with specified work via the information processing terminal.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein after the specified work is completed, the control program again prompts the user to execute the evaluation scale via the information processing terminal, executes at least one of the at least three processes based on the evaluation results of the evaluation scale, and provides the specified work to the user via the information processing terminal.

3. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further stores an evaluation metric for evaluating a state that is improved by executing the at least three processes, and repeats the evaluation and execution of the at least three processes until the evaluation value of the evaluation metric reaches a predetermined value.

4. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the system records modified work sets for improving symptoms of at least one disease in the at least three processes, and provides the modified work sets to the user via an information processing terminal at a predetermined timing.

5. 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein said system further records a psychology-based module for improving symptoms of a disease, and provides said module to a user via an information processing terminal at a predetermined timing.

6. 6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a function of adding and storing a work created by a user to said work set and updating said work set.

7. A system for self-care of stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, Each stress management work set corresponds to multiple themes that implement systematic psychotherapy for stress management, and at least one symptom relief work set to relieve disease-specific symptoms; a server including a schedule management function for adjusting an implementation schedule of the stress management work set and the symptom relief work set; a user's information processing terminal for using the system; and a self-care system comprising the system.

8. A system for self-care of stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, The system comprises: Each stress management work set corresponds to multiple themes that implement systematic psychotherapy for stress management, and at least one symptom relief work set for relieving multiple disease-specific symptoms; a schedule management function for adjusting the implementation schedule of the stress management work set and the symptom relief work set; A calendar function for recording the user's daily status items; a rating scale for assessing proficiency in the plurality of themes; a server including a list recording correspondence between the biopsychosocial factors of the user and at least a plurality of disease-specific symptoms, items to be recorded using a calendar function, or parameters of the evaluation scale; an information processing terminal for the user to use the system; A system in which the biopsychosocial factors of the user are acquired, parameters corresponding to the list are set in the system, and the user uses the system.

9. A system for exploring an intervention method for stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, The system comprises: At least three process work sets implementing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy; a process rating scale for rating proficiency in each of the at least three processes; A disease assessment scale for assessing the severity of stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress; a server that stores a control program for controlling the system and executes the control program; an information processing terminal for a user to execute the system; The control program provides each process to the user via the information processing terminal, prompts the user to execute the process evaluation scale and the disease evaluation scale before and after executing each process, and extracts a process that is effective for the disease by comparing the evaluation results of the process evaluation scale and the disease evaluation scale before and after executing the process.

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