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

Abstract

To provide a self-care support program and system for stress-related diseases or stress-induced mental disorders.SOLUTION: In a system 100 for self-care of stress-related diseases or stress-induced mental disorders, a server 130 comprises an information processing terminal 110 of a user, a storage device that stores a work set corresponding to each of a plurality of themes based on acceptance and commitment therapy or mindfulness, and a theme evaluation scale for evaluating an effect of each of the plurality of themes, and a control device that controls the system. The control device prompts the user to execute the work set via the information processing terminal of the user, evaluates an effect of the work set on the user by the theme evaluation scale after the user executes the work set, and provides the user with the work set of the theme again when an evaluation result does not satisfy a criterion.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, which applies technology similar to e-commerce and technology developed in diagnostic medical equipment, etc. [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 technology is known as a clinical support system using cognitive behavioral therapy. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that provides a patient with a treatment scenario consisting of multiple intervention processes, in which the content of efforts corresponding to the core processes of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) are switched at predetermined intervals, and modifies the scenario to be provided to the patient from the next time onwards based on the results of a comparison of the six core processes of ACT before and after the implementation of the scenario. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Application Publication No. 2023 / 204239 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology in Patent Document 1 provides a predetermined treatment scenario for the same person within a specified period, but does not evaluate each elemental technology within that period and modify the scenario. Furthermore, since there is no one-to-one correspondence between ACT core processes and interventions, and there is no one-to-one correspondence between interventions and evaluation scales, it is not possible to evaluate each ACT core process, and as a result, it is not possible to improve proficiency in each core process.

[0006] One objective of the present invention is to provide technology that can be used in self-care apps and therapeutic apps, which can improve proficiency in each of ACT's core processes and ultimately improve psychological flexibility overall, since ACT consists of six independent core processes and is suitable as a self-care function using information processing devices, particularly ICT devices, but there has not previously been a method for mastering these core processes that takes advantage of their characteristics.The second objective of the present invention is to provide technology that can be used in self-care apps and therapeutic apps, which can improve proficiency in each of ACT's core processes and ultimately improve psychological flexibility overall.The second objective of the present invention is that conventional apps (for example, Patent Document 1) are like books that provide a step-by-step curriculum like traditional psychotherapy, and do not actually take advantage of the benefits of ICT. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Conventional approaches have focused on the specific activities, rather than the core process proficiency, at each stage of a treatment scenario, as shown in Figure 4 of Reference 1, and only the degree of mastery of each stage has been considered. Furthermore, only the change in the mastery of the core process throughout the entire treatment scenario has been considered. This is because, as proposed by the present inventors, it is possible to associate core processes with work sets and evaluate each work set of the executed core process using an evaluation scale using an information processing device, or to use information processing technology to handle core processes for each process executed by the user. Furthermore, the present invention is characterized by processing the proficiency of core processes specific to ACT using an information processing device. Without the present inventors' knowledge, this problem could not have been solved by simply adapting other conventional technologies. (Invention 1) A system for self-care of stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, The system comprises: a user's information processing terminal having an input / output unit; A server including a storage device that stores work sets that are one-to-one mapped to each of a plurality of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) core processes, and question information of an assessment scale (ACT core process assessment scale) that is one-to-one mapped to each of the work sets and that is used to assess proficiency in the core processes, and a control device that controls the system; Including, The system comprises: providing the user with an exercise included in the work set associated with one of the plurality of core processes stored in the storage device via the input / output unit of the information processing terminal and having the user execute the exercise; After the user has performed the exercise set, provide the user with information on the questions corresponding to the exercise set performed by the user via the input / output unit of the information processing terminal, obtain answers to the questions by the user, and evaluate the effects of the user's performance of the exercise based on the answers. If the results of the evaluation do not meet the standard, the system provides the user with and has them perform the work set exercises corresponding to the core process performed by the user, which are stored in the storage device via the input / output unit of the information processing terminal. (Invention 2) An information processing terminal for self-care of stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, The information processing terminal, A storage device that stores work sets that are one-to-one mapped to each of a plurality of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) core processes, and question information of an assessment scale (ACT core process assessment scale) that is one-to-one mapped to each of the work sets and that is used to assess proficiency in the core processes; a control device that controls the information processing terminal; an input / output unit; The control device providing the user with an exercise included in the work set associated with one of the plurality of core processes stored in the storage device via the input / output unit and having the user perform the exercise; After the user has completed the exercise set, provide the user with information on the questions corresponding to the work set completed by the user via the input / output unit, obtain answers to the questions by the user, and evaluate the effectiveness of the user's execution of the exercise based on the answers. If the result of the evaluation does not meet the standard, the information processing terminal again provides the user with exercises of the work set corresponding to the core process performed by the user, which are stored in the storage device via the input / output unit, and has the user perform them. (Invention 3) A method for providing self-care for stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, comprising: The method comprises: The system comprises: a user's information processing terminal having an input / output unit; A system including a server including a storage device that stores work sets that correspond one-to-one to each of a plurality of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) core processes, question information of an assessment scale (assessment scale of ACT core processes) that corresponds one-to-one to each of the work sets and that is used to assess proficiency in the core processes, and a control device that controls the system, a step of providing the user with an exercise included in the work set associated with one theme of the plurality of core processes stored in the storage device via the input / output unit of the information processing terminal and having the user execute the exercise; After the user has completed the exercise set, providing the user with information about the questions corresponding to the exercise set completed by the user via the input / output unit of the information processing terminal, obtaining answers to the questions by the user, and evaluating the effectiveness of the user's execution of the exercise based on the answers; and if the result of the evaluation does not satisfy the standard, providing the user with an exercise of a work set corresponding to the core process performed by the user, which is stored in the storage device via the input / output unit of the information processing terminal, and having the user perform the exercise. A method for providing the user with self-care for stress-related illnesses or mental disorders caused by stress. (Invention 4) A method for providing self-care for stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, comprising: The method comprises: A storage device that stores work sets that are one-to-one mapped to each of a plurality of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) core processes, and question information of an assessment scale (ACT core process assessment scale) that is one-to-one mapped to each of the work sets and that is used to assess proficiency in the core processes; a control device that controls the information processing terminal; In an information processing terminal including an input / output unit, a step of providing the user with an exercise included in the work set associated with one of the plurality of core processes stored in the storage device via the input / output unit and having the user perform the exercise; a step of providing the user with information on the question corresponding to the work set executed by the user via the input / output unit after the user has executed the work set, obtaining a response from the user to the information on the question, and evaluating the effectiveness of the user's execution of the work based on the response; and if the result of the evaluation does not satisfy the standard, providing the user with an exercise of a work set corresponding to the core process performed by the user and stored in the storage device via the input / output unit and having the user perform the exercise again. A method for providing the user with self-care for stress-related illnesses or mental disorders caused by stress. (Invention 5) A program to provide self-care for stress-related illnesses or mental disorders caused by stress. A memory unit that stores work sets that are one-to-one mapped to each of a plurality of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) core processes, and information on question items related to assessment scales (assessment scales for ACT core processes) that are one-to-one mapped to each of the work sets and that are used to assess proficiency in the core processes; a control device that controls the program and the system; In a system having an input / output unit for inputting and outputting information to and from a user, a function of providing the user with an exercise included in the work set associated with one of the core processes included in the plurality of core processes stored in the storage unit via the input / output unit and having the user perform the exercise; a function of providing the user with information on the questions corresponding to the work set executed by the user via the input / output unit after the user has executed the work set, obtaining the answers given by the user to the information on the questions, and evaluating the effectiveness of the execution of the work by the user based on the answers; a function of providing the user with exercises of a work set corresponding to the core process performed by the user and stored in the storage device via the input / output unit and having the user perform the exercises again if the result of the evaluation does not satisfy the standard; A program for implementing the above in the system. A program for executing the above on the system. In Inventions 1-5, by executing exercises from a work set (exercises are described as a concept that also includes educational content, work, etc.), it is possible to focus on individual core processes and improve the user's proficiency for each core process executed. (Invention 6) The system, information processing terminal, program or method of any one of the above-mentioned inventions 1 to 5, which does not target a specific disease. Because the present invention is effective against the symptoms of stress-related diseases in general, it can be applied to specific diseases. However, it can also be effectively used as a self-care tool or support tool to learn stress coping methods and improve psychological flexibility, enabling people to cope with stress in their daily lives and achieving prevention of illness, without targeting any specific disease. (Invention 7) In the system, information processing terminal, program or method of any of the above-mentioned inventions 1 to 5, the work set includes a plurality of different exercises that have an effect on the same core process. A work set may include one exercise, multiple of the same exercises, or multiple different exercises. However, since some exercises are suitable for others and some people have personal preferences, performing multiple different exercises allows the user to obtain a self-care method that is suitable for them. (Invention 8) In the system, information processing terminal, program or method of any one of the above-mentioned inventions 1 to 5, the provision of a work set corresponding to the core process is used by the user continuously or intermittently. It can be used for a specific period of time, like a prescription for a therapeutic app, but it can also be used to encourage users to continuously carry out work sets that follow a core process, or to pause the program for a while once a certain level of effect has been achieved (for example, ACT is said to be effective for six months after completion), and then evaluate and resume providing the work sets. This would improve the user's psychological flexibility and would be desirable, as it would help prevent stress-related illnesses. (Invention 9) In the system, information processing terminal, program or method of any of the above-mentioned inventions 1-5, a plurality of evaluations are performed after a plurality of work sets are successively executed by a user. Work sets can be evaluated either after each work set is completed, or after multiple work sets are completed, all at once. However, since some exercises have an effect on multiple core processes, evaluating multiple work sets all at once after they are completed allows the effects on multiple core processes to be measured simultaneously compared to evaluating each work set individually, and also reduces the burden of answering user questions. (Invention 10) In the system, information processing terminal, program or method of the above-mentioned inventions 1-5, when the execution of a work set corresponding to one core process is repeatedly provided to the user, the system, information processing terminal, program or method evaluates the work set by raising the reference point. After providing a user with a series of work sets for multiple core processes and having them perform them, if the user is then provided with another series of work sets for multiple core processes and has them perform them again, it is assumed that the standard score has been met once, so the standard score for determining whether the user has passed the proficiency test can be raised and evaluated, thereby further improving the proficiency level. The standard score can be raised by storing information on the number of times and the standard standard score somewhere in the system and referencing this information, or by comparing the evaluation results of the scale based on the user's previous work set implementations to estimate the amount of improvement expected from each work set implementation and setting the amount of improvement per implementation. [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, multiple exercises for self-mental care 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 themes to the core processes of ACT or mindfulness, the core processes of ACT are relatively independent and their effects are easy to understand, making it possible to implement and evaluate the self-care process 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 a system according to 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] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing an example of repetition of each theme of the present invention. 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, rather than just suggesting symptomatic improvements 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, palliative care, 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. As a result, the server 130 provides diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, improvement, maintenance, or self-care to the user. In this example, the self-care and treatment app is divided into a server-side portion and a user-terminal portion, and diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, improvement, maintenance, or self-care is performed. However, all necessary programs and data may be downloaded to the user terminal 110 and independently executed by the user terminal 110. (In this case, the control unit of the user's information processing terminal 110 controls and executes the functions of each functional block of the program, and multiple work sets, theme rating scales, and disease rating scales are stored in the storage device of the information processing terminal 110.) Alternatively, the user terminal 110 may function only as an input and display unit, and the server 130 may execute the program 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 as Context, (5) Contact with 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 related to mindfulness. Therefore, in this specification, the elements of mindfulness are also included as part of ACT's four core processes.) By acquiring the skills corresponding to each of these processes, patients can develop psychological flexibility and the ability to cope with stress. The inventors of this application believe that these processes in ACT are separated and that training methods for each process are established, making them suitable for use on information processing devices. Therefore, we propose an ACT approach. It goes without saying that it is not necessary to strictly follow the above classification, and different classifications may be used as long as the respective objectives can be achieved, and it is not necessary to implement all of them.

[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 be 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 (Variable Analogue Scale). These scales 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 videos 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 six core processes based on ACT are "self as context," "acceptance," "defusion," "now, this moment" (for each of the processes, ten exercises are prepared as interventions (each work set corresponds one-to-one to each core process (a "work set" is, for example, a unit for managing the aforementioned ten exercises collectively). Generally, an exercise (work) corresponds to multiple core processes, but in this invention, an exercise included in a work set is set to correspond to one core process for which the exercise is effective). However, the number is not limited to these (for the four core processes mentioned above, the number of exercises included in a work set may be one, but preferably multiple. This is because it is preferable to provide multiple exercises rather than just one exercise per process, so that the user does not get bored and can find one that suits the user). In addition, information content on psychological education and disease education, and work such as filling out worksheets are also included as types of exercises).), "value," and "commitment." Although three processes are used here, this is not a limitation and any process based on the six processes of ACT may be used (for example, the three processes of "mindfulness," "defusion," and "acceptance" or the four processes of "self as context," "acceptance," "defusion," and "present moment" may be used). The scale used below is merely an example, and it goes without saying that any known scale can be used depending on the purpose. First, the control block 606 provides the user with information such as questions on the PMDD assessment scale. That is, the control block 606 requests the relevant scale from the memory management block 605. In response to the request, the memory management block 605 reads the relevant scale information 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 questions on the scale 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." Based on the response results (typically a total score or a total score for each factor included in the scale), the evaluation block 602 determines the user's PMDD status. The evaluation block 602 then requests a list of correspondences between the scales, known scores, and symptoms stored in the memory management block 605. The memory management block 605 then retrieves the corresponding list from the storage device 133 or 102 and returns it to the evaluation block 602. The evaluation block then compares the user's response scores with the list to evaluate the user's condition. 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 acquisition and evaluation of scale responses are performed in the same manner below). Next, to measure psychological flexibility, the AAQ-II scale is used, and the user's answers are obtained as described above and stored in the user's personal data.In addition, the user can be prompted to answer scales such as the MPFI, CompactACT, FFMQ, and CFQ, and the answers can be stored in the user's personal data and used as base data.

[0021] Next, exercises based on each core process of ACT are provided. Memory 133 or 102 includes "Self as Context" (well-known exercises such as the observer exercise, MCT (Metacognitive Therapy) free association task, and the 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), and "Values ​​Clarification" (10 exercises to clarify the values ​​of what actions you will take on an ongoing basis). 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 oneself from and observe internal events, and the exercise of rephrasing oneself as having "I have this thought"), "Now" (well-known exercises, such as paying attention to 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 helps 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, as mentioned above, ten exercises are provided for "Self as Context," "Acceptance," "Defusion," and "Now" (there is no specific rule, and it goes without saying that the number of exercises and work can be changed as needed). In addition to the exercises and work, if the order of execution of the exercises and work is specified, the information on the order of execution is also stored in the storage device 133 or the storage device 102. Educational content related to each core process may also be provided.

[0022] Next, the implementation of exercises and other work in flow 653 will be described. The execution order of each process is not specifically defined. For example, the order can be determined in advance and stored in storage device 133 or 102. Alternatively, the CompactACT, MPFI, FFMQ, or CFQ scales can be measured (scale evaluation is performed by providing the user with questions on the scale via the information processing terminal and obtaining their responses), starting with the weaker processes. Alternatively, when starting flow 653, the user can be asked questions on the scale that interest them most among the six processes, and the order can be determined based on the user's responses. Furthermore, the user can be asked questions to investigate their characteristics in advance, such as BIG5, Enneagram, or MBTI, and the order and the processes to be provided can be determined based on their characteristics. For example, if the BIG5 indicates low emotional stability, the program can start with "Acceptance" and then "Defusion." If the user's curiosity is high, the program can be presented with "Now, This Moment," followed by "Defusion." This can enhance the effectiveness of the user's exercise. Furthermore, instead of asking the user questions via an information processing terminal, well-known technology for evaluating characteristics like the BIG5 from smartphone usage history (e.g., JP 2022-189376 A) can be used to make a judgment without increasing the burden on the user (also known technology for determining behavioral characteristics from the user's "tweets" history on other social networking sites can be used). (The provided program (scenario) can, for example, evaluate six core processes using MPFI or the like, continuously perform processes with relatively low proficiency, evaluate the core processes, and provide corresponding work sets in order from the least proficiency until all core processes reach a predetermined proficiency level, and once all core processes have been achieved, stop providing work sets for a predetermined period (e.g., six months or one year), after which the proficiency level of the core processes is evaluated again and the operation of providing work sets for the less proficiency is repeated, or the program can be provided as a scenario that provides work sets following a certain number of core processes according to a predetermined theme of the treatment objective.) In this embodiment, the exercises are set to start in the order of "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 the same as 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 MPFI, 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 (exercise and work are treated as the same in this specification) included in the "Now, This Moment" work 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 status of the exercise. As with 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. Furthermore, to count the number of times the user has performed an exercise, a "Number of times performed" button can be provided on the exercise page, which accumulates points each time the button is touched, providing an incentive. Next, as described above, at 10:00 AM the next day, the schedule management block 603 displays the next exercise, "Focus on your feet, read a text" in the latest tile according to the schedule list. Furthermore, the 10 exercises memorized up to the fifth day are presented to the user in a predetermined order every morning, encouraging them to perform them. On the sixth day, the Present Moment Awareness subscale of the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI) is used to measure the mastery (effectiveness) of the "present moment" process (the scale is not limited to this, and other scales used in ACT, such as the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), CompACT (Comprehensive assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy processes), and FFMQ, 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 user has completed a five-day work set for this process, the program proceeds to the next process. This setting can be modified as needed, such as not obtaining a scale, proceeding to the next process without evaluating the scale, or repeating the same process until the evaluation result not only improves but also improves to a predetermined level. (Since the work set for this process contains 10 exercises, the same exercises are repeated from the third time (because each set of exercises is provided with five exercises), but other methods such as providing them randomly are also possible.) In this case, the control block 6060 evaluates the questions on the evaluation scale after the work set is completed, and performs a process to determine whether to repeat the work set of the core process that was performed or to proceed to the next work set of the core process based on the evaluation result and judgment condition information stored in a storage device of the system or written in the program itself. This judgment condition information includes information for determining whether to proceed to the next process, such as a threshold value for determining that the proficiency of the executed work has achieved a predetermined goal; if the evaluation score does not reach a threshold and the same core process work set has been executed a predetermined number of times, such as the third time, proceed to the next process regardless of the evaluation score; or proceed to the work set associated with the next core process regardless of the evaluation score because the work set execution period exceeds a predetermined number of days. (The judgment information includes at least one of the above information, but is not limited to this and may include other conditions to enable judgment.) The threshold value may also be set to change depending on the user and the number of executions. Similar judgments can be made thereafter. The result of the judgment on whether to repeat the core process work set or proceed to the next core process work set may be provided to the user via an input / output device of the information processing terminal, and the user may decide whether to repeat the work set and control the process based on the user's instructions.

[0024] Next, the schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to provide the exercises for the "Defusion" work set, similar to the "Now, This Moment" exercise described above. Here, the MPFI subscale (Defusion) can be used for evaluation. The evaluation is performed by reading questions from the scale stored in one of the system's storage devices, providing them to the user via the user's information processing terminal, and then acquiring and aggregating the user's answers. The scale is not limited to this, and other scales used in ACT, such as CompACT and CFQ (Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire), can also be used. In other words, a scale is used to evaluate the proficiency of the core process associated with the work set performed by the user. (Typically, work affects multiple core processes, but in this embodiment, an evaluation scale is associated with each work set.) The evaluation results are then evaluated in the same way as for the proficiency of the core process described above, and a decision is made as to whether to terminate (execute training for) this core process and proceed to (execute training for) the next core process, or to repeat this core process. If proceeding to the next core process, a work set for the next core process is provided.

[0025] Next, the schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to provide the exercises for the "Acceptance" work set in the same way as for the "Now, This Moment" exercise described above. Here, the MPFI subscale (Acceptance) is used for evaluation. (The scale is not limited to this, and other scales used in ACT, such as the APQ (Acceptance Process Questionnaire), can also be used.) Then, in the same way as for the proficiency of the core processes described above, the results of this evaluation are evaluated to determine whether to end this core process and move on to the next core process, or to repeat this core process again. If the next core process is to be advanced, the work set for the next core process is provided.

[0026] Next, the schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to provide the exercises for the "Self as Context" work set, similar to the "Now and This Moment" exercise described above. Here, the evaluation uses a subscale of the MPFI (Self as Context). (The scale is not limited to this, and other scales used in ACT, such as the SACS (Self-as Context Scale) or the FFMQ (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire), can also be used.) The results of this evaluation are then evaluated in the same way as for the proficiency of the core processes described above, and a decision is made as to whether to terminate this core process and move on to the next core process, or whether to repeat this core process again. If the subject wishes to move on to the next core process, the work set for the next core process is provided.

[0027] Next, the schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to perform the exercises in the "Clarifying Values" work set, thereby carrying out the values ​​work. The schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to display a tile for launching the values ​​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 the 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 605 then sends the input "behaviors" to the memory management block 605 for storage. The subscale (Contact with Values) of the MPFI is used to determine whether or not the user is engaging in value-based behavior. (The scale is not limited to this; other scales used in ACT, such as the VQ (Valuing Questionnaire), can also be used.) The results of this assessment are evaluated in the same way as for the proficiency of the core processes described above, and a decision is made as to whether to terminate this core process and move on to the next core process, or to repeat this core process again. If the process is to be continued, a work set for the next core process is provided.

[0028] Next, the schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to execute the value work by requesting the exercises in the "Committed Action" work set. The schedule management block 603 requests the control block 606 to display a tile for launching the value work exercise in the latest tile of the information window at 10:00 the following morning. When the user touches the tile, the control block 606 displays the values ​​entered during the value clarification process at the top of the screen and a window at the bottom for entering actions aligned with short-, medium-, and long-term values. The control block 606 then sends the entered actions to the memory management block 605 and stores them. The MPFI subscale (Committed Action) is used to determine whether the committed actions are being performed. (The scale is not limited to this, and other scales used in ACT, such as the VQ (Valuing Questionnaire), can also be used.) The results of this evaluation are then evaluated in the same way as for the proficiency of the core processes described above, and a decision is made as to whether to terminate this core process and proceed to the next core process, or whether to repeat this core process. Then, if you move on to the next core process, provide a work set for the next core process.

[0029] Here, the control block 606 again measures the user's MPFI (or other scales, if used), and AAQ-II, and graphically displays the changes in the AAQ-II score and the six core process scores, for example, a line graph showing the progress of the AAQ-II score and a hexagonal radar chart showing the progress of the scores of the six core processes, 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. It is also preferable to display the most recent data and past data in different colors for clarity.

[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 (measurements using the MPFI, FFMQ, CFQ, or other scales of the six ACT core processes) and implemented the core processes for which the user scored relatively low, beginning with the lowest scores, for "self in context," "acceptance," "defusion," and "present moment." The implementation method was the same as for each process described above. After one month of use, the evaluation block 602 evaluated the user's psychological flexibility and the proficiency (effectiveness) of each core process using the MPFI (or CompactACT, AAQ-II, FFMQ, CFQ, VQ, etc.) and AAQ-II. 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 core processes for "value clarification" and "committed action" were implemented again. When this turn ended, the process was repeated, beginning with the lowest scores, based on the evaluation results of the six core processes. If the AAQ-II score reaches a certain level even after this repetition, indicating that psychological flexibility has been acquired, the execution of the exercises can be stopped, and the AAQ-II and the six core processes can be evaluated periodically, for example, once a month, and if psychological flexibility or proficiency in any of the core processes decreases, or if psychological flexibility decreases after an AAQ-II evaluation, the provision of the above-mentioned exercises can be resumed. Furthermore, it is possible to determine which of the six core processes of ACT to repeat and how to repeat them as appropriate. For example, the core processes to be provided and the order of the core processes can be determined according to the pattern of the evaluation scores of the core processes to be provided, and the multiple patterns, the core processes to be provided, and their order (if there are two or more) can be listed and stored in a storage device. The evaluation block 602 can compare the user's evaluation score with this list to determine the next core process to be provided. After the provided core process(es) are completed, evaluation using a scale is performed to determine the next core process, and this process can be repeated.In addition, a model can be constructed by machine learning using training data based on the evaluation score patterns of a user's multiple core processes and the changes in evaluation scores after execution of each core process provided thereafter, and the user's initial evaluation score patterns can be input into this model to suggest a recommended core process(es), and the execution and evaluation of these core 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 schedule management block 603 also has a function to calculate and predict the next menstrual period from past menstrual periods entered by the user, and a function 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 an analysis of past inputs reveals that the user tends to complain of mental symptoms such as "irritability" from four days before the menstrual period and physical symptoms such as "abdominal pain" for three days after the menstrual period, the schedule management block 603 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 transmits these to the schedule management block 603. The schedule management block 603 reads a list of intervention dates and times and intervention processes (processes for carrying out psychotherapy, processes for improvement based on psychology) for each disease stored in the storage device 133 or the storage device 102, and controls the list related to PMS to set the predicted date as the intervention date for PMS, and provide the set intervention program on that date and time. In this embodiment, if the result of the calculation shows that the next menstrual period is April 10, the list will show that "defuse" will be performed on April 6. For example, write that you will provide the "John" core process (training) for four days until your period. Also, write that you will provide the "Now, This Moment" process for three days on April 10th. For many psychiatric and psychosomatic disorders, there are effective interventions for addressing the symptoms. For example, in the case of PMS, it is expected that fusions such as "I'm irritated and lash out at others, so defusion exercises are effective. Furthermore, for menstrual pain, it is expected that recalling past pain exacerbates unpleasant symptoms, so "Now, This Moment" exercises and "mindfulness" exercises are effective. These exercises can be the same as those used to develop psychological flexibility, but it is more convenient to use modified versions tailored to the symptoms of the disorder. (For example, it would be useful to create a version of the "Tea Tea" exercise, where you replace "Tea Tea" with "Menstrual Pain" and repeat the process aloud for 20 seconds.)

[0032] The schedule management block 603 manages both the core process exercises for cultivating psychological flexibility and the core process exercises for self-care of disease-specific symptoms. When both are implemented in parallel, situations may arise where an exercise for the former core process and an exercise for the latter core process are offered at the same time. In this case, the schedule management block 603 can simply offer both exercises, suspend the former exercise and offer the latter, or, if the exercises offered at the same time are on the same topic—for example, "defusion"—offer the latter core process exercise instead of the former "defusion" core process exercise, or offer both exercises but at different times. Furthermore, since the order of offering may be important depending on the core process or exercise, the schedule management block 603 records exercises that would cause problems if the order were reversed in the list. For example, if exercise C must not be offered before exercise D in the defusion exercises, the schedule management block 603 can adjust the core process or change the order of offering the exercises so that exercise C comes before exercise D when it is scheduled to be offered in the latter exercise. This can be avoided by adjusting the core process or changing the order of offering the exercises. In parallel with these functions, the schedule management block 603 performs daily input to the PMS memory and EMA, and acquires and records data from the monitoring device, in cooperation with the control block 606, memory management block 605, and input / output block 601. Finally, to evaluate disease-specific symptoms, a scale, for example, the PMDD scale, is periodically used to evaluate them. The evaluation results are stored in a storage device as personal data, and it is desirable to be able to display the progress of changes upon request from the user.

[0033] In this example, each core process and a set of work to master that theme (core process) are packaged, making it easy to measure the proficiency (effectiveness) of each process, allowing psychotherapy to be provided automatically on an information processing terminal and making it easy to repeat.In addition, by measuring each core process with an evidence-based scale that corresponds one-to-one, 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 core processes for cultivating psychological flexibility in ACT or the four core processes related to mindfulness in ACT. However, because each core process is interrelated, several core 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 core processes in order to confirm proficiency (and it would be even more convenient if each of these core 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 core processes of ACT). 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. Furthermore, when the core process of this embodiment is configured to be repeated according to proficiency, it can be designed to end after a predetermined period, to end when the psychological flexibility assessment reaches a predetermined level, to end when the psychological flexibility assessment reaches a predetermined level but periodically (e.g., every six months, a period during which the effects of ACT are said to last) assess the psychological flexibility and if it falls below the predetermined level, provide the core process exercises again, or to continue continuously without setting a specific end point, such that once a certain core process is mastered, the next core process exercise at a relatively lower level of mastery is provided (this can also be a format in which the threshold for assessing mastery of the core process is gradually raised). In the latter case of continuous continuation, ACT is effective even in healthy individuals, so it is not only effective in terms of mental self-care, but can also be provided through subscription services, which is commercially preferable.

[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 symptomatic interventions for sleep disorders, 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 diary 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 diary 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 the 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 the first embodiment. 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 MPFI or 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. As in the first embodiment, each exercise can be repeated according to the user's level of proficiency.

[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, conditional branching conditions, conditional branching procedures, etc.) Furthermore, each exercise may be repeated according to the level of proficiency, as in Example 1.

[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 embodiments, an example is given in which the part for providing stress coping methods provides exercises based on a different psychological theory from the part for coping with disease symptoms, which provides exercises based on the same psychological theory. However, it is more consistent and effective to provide exercises based on the same theory. However, in the part for coping with disease symptoms, not only those who perform psychotherapy, but also music appreciation based on psychotherapy, exercises other than psychotherapy, and dietary therapy may be included. Also, like in Example 1, each exercise may be repeated as a process according to the level of proficiency.

[0040] (Examples of execution, evaluation, and repeated determination of other work sets) Fig. 8 shows an example of evaluation of the effects of each theme (core process) of the present invention and repetition of each theme. In the figure, in this example, an example of providing three themes, "this moment now", "defusion", and "acceptance" as themes is shown. The solid line indicates the transition of the work set of the theme according to the evaluation points of each theme, and the broken line indicates the transition in a predetermined order. For example, A(a,b,c) indicates the execution of exercises a, b, and c of acceptance, D indicates the execution of the work set of defusion, and I indicates the execution of the work set of this moment now. For example, D<R1 indicates that the result of the evaluation scale of defusion is below the reference value (I<R2 and A<R3 are the same). In Figure 8(a), exercise a of the defusion work set (including exercises a through z) is performed, and evaluation is performed using the evaluation scale. If the standard value is exceeded, the system moves on to providing the next defusion work set (the present moment). If the standard value is not exceeded, the system prompts the user to perform defusion exercise eh again. Similarly, after performing each theme, the proficiency (effectiveness) of that theme is evaluated, and if the standard value is met, the system moves on to the next theme. This is an example in which the theme is performed and evaluated one theme at a time (staggering the exercises as in this example is preferable because it keeps the user from getting bored). In this example, the order is predetermined and repeated: defusion, the present moment, and acceptance. However, this is not limited to this. For example, evaluation is performed using three scales after each performance, and the one that is furthest below the standard point is performed, or, if all are above the standard point, the one that is the smallest deviation from the standard point is performed. Modifications known to those skilled in the art are also possible. Furthermore, the themes and their evaluations do not necessarily have to be performed one by one. Next, Figure 8(b) shows another example. This example shows an example in which three evaluations, defusion and acceptance, are performed at this very moment, and then evaluation is performed. The evaluation results are shown as an example in which any of the three evaluations that fall below the reference score are re-performed and the evaluation process is repeated. As described above, the number of themes and evaluations to be performed consecutively can be set as appropriate. For example, evaluations can be performed on each of the available themes, two of the themes with relatively poor evaluation results compared to the other themes are selected, the user can be prompted to perform the work set, and then evaluations can be performed on each of the themes again. (In this invention, "when the evaluation result of the theme evaluation scale does not meet the standard" does not necessarily mean that the evaluation result is lower than the reference score, but also includes cases such as when the evaluation result is relatively low compared to other evaluation results, or when the deviation from the reference score is small compared to other evaluation results.)Furthermore, during the evaluation, the user may be prompted to answer not only the scales for measuring the proficiency and effectiveness of each theme, but also an evaluation scale (stored in the storage device of the server or information processing terminal) for measuring the severity of stress-related illnesses, and the results may be used to evaluate the state of illness or mental disorder and detect progress such as improvement. Even in this case, instead of measuring simultaneously with the theme scales, measurements may be taken after the implementation of successive themes to be provided, after implementing all the themes, or periodically.

[0041] The technology of the present invention, which prompts a user to perform a work set based on the ACT core process and then repeatedly provides the same work set depending on the user's level of proficiency, or provides a work set corresponding to a specific core process, is preferable because, when used for a specific stress-related disorder, it improves the stress symptoms that cause that specific disorder and leads to the specific disorder's amelioration. Furthermore, when the present invention is used for self-management of stress symptoms unrelated to a specific stress-related disorder, it leads to the prevention and improvement of all stress-related disorders, which is preferable. In the latter case, providing the user with work sets continuously, without setting a specific period, based on the evaluation results of the core process is advantageous in maintaining psychological flexibility. When providing work sets continuously, further improvement can be achieved by gradually increasing the benchmark score for judging the user's proficiency in that core process over multiple repetitions. Furthermore, when assessing the user's proficiency in a core process, even if the user's score is below the benchmark score, the system can inquire about the user's preferences via an information processing terminal, and if the user prefers to proceed to the next core process rather than repeating the process, the next core process can be provided.

[0042] Although the present invention has been described based on several embodiments, it goes without saying that elements used in each embodiment can be added to the configuration of other embodiments. Furthermore, while the present invention has shown an example in which the evaluation is carried out by quantitative evaluation of an evidence-based scale, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this, and that it is possible to change the presentation method to audio, video, or game format, or to shorten the questions in the questionnaires, or to use original questions, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 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: a user's information processing terminal having an input / output unit; A server including a storage device that stores work sets that are one-to-one mapped to each of a plurality of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) core processes, question information of an assessment scale (ACT core process assessment scale) that is one-to-one mapped to each of the work sets and that is used to assess proficiency in the core processes, and a control device that controls the system; Including, The system comprises: providing the user with an exercise included in the work set associated with one of the plurality of core processes stored in the storage device via the input / output unit of the information processing terminal and having the user execute the exercise; After the user has performed the exercise set, provide the user with information on the questions corresponding to the exercise set performed by the user via the input / output unit of the information processing terminal, obtain answers to the questions by the user, and evaluate the effects of the user's performance of the exercise based on the answers. If the results of the evaluation do not meet the standard, the system provides the user with and has them perform the work set exercises corresponding to the core process performed by the user, which are stored in the storage device via the input / output unit of the information processing terminal.

2. An information processing terminal for self-care of stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, The information processing terminal, A storage device that stores work sets that are one-to-one mapped to each of a plurality of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) core processes, and question information of an assessment scale (ACT core process assessment scale) that is one-to-one mapped to each of the work sets and that is used to assess proficiency in the core processes; a control device that controls the information processing terminal; an input / output unit; The control device providing the user with an exercise included in the work set associated with one of the plurality of core processes stored in the storage device via the input / output unit and having the user perform the exercise; After the user has completed the exercise set, provide the user with information on the questions corresponding to the work set completed by the user via the input / output unit, obtain answers to the questions by the user, and evaluate the effectiveness of the user's execution of the exercise based on the answers. If the result of the evaluation does not meet the standard, the information processing terminal again provides the user with exercises of the work set corresponding to the core process performed by the user, which are stored in the storage device via the input / output unit, and has the user perform them.

3. A method for providing self-care for stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, comprising: The method comprises: The system comprises: a user's information processing terminal having an input / output unit; A system including a server including a storage device that stores work sets that are one-to-one mapped to each of a plurality of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) core processes, question information of an assessment scale (ACT core process assessment scale) that is one-to-one mapped to each of the work sets and that is used to assess proficiency in the core processes, and a control device that controls the system, a step of providing the user with an exercise included in the work set associated with one theme of the plurality of core processes stored in the storage device via the input / output unit of the information processing terminal and having the user execute the exercise; After the user has completed the exercise set, providing the user with information about the questions corresponding to the exercise set completed by the user via the input / output unit of the information processing terminal, obtaining answers to the questions by the user, and evaluating the effectiveness of the user's execution of the exercise based on the answers; and if the result of the evaluation does not satisfy the standard, providing the user with an exercise of a work set corresponding to the core process performed by the user, which is stored in the storage device via the input / output unit of the information processing terminal, and having the user perform the exercise. A method for providing the user with self-care for stress-related illnesses or mental disorders caused by stress.

4. A method for providing self-care for stress-related diseases or mental disorders caused by stress, comprising: The method comprises: A storage device that stores work sets that are one-to-one mapped to each of a plurality of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) core processes, and question information of an assessment scale (ACT core process assessment scale) that is one-to-one mapped to each of the work sets and that is used to assess proficiency in the core processes; a control device that controls the information processing terminal; In an information processing terminal including an input / output unit, a step of providing the user with an exercise included in the work set associated with one of the plurality of core processes stored in the storage device via the input / output unit and having the user perform the exercise; a step of providing the user with information on the question corresponding to the work set executed by the user via the input / output unit after the user has executed the work set, obtaining a response from the user to the information on the question, and evaluating the effectiveness of the user's execution of the work based on the response; and if the result of the evaluation does not satisfy the standard, providing the user with an exercise of a work set corresponding to the core process performed by the user and stored in the storage device via the input / output unit and having the user perform the exercise again. A method for providing the user with self-care for stress-related illnesses or mental disorders caused by stress.

5. A program to provide self-care for stress-related illnesses or mental disorders caused by stress. A memory unit that stores work sets that are one-to-one mapped to each of a plurality of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) core processes, and information on question items related to assessment scales (ACT core process assessment scales) that are one-to-one mapped to each of the work sets and that are used to assess proficiency in the core processes; a control device that controls the program and the system; In a system having an input / output unit for inputting and outputting information to and from a user, a function of providing the user with an exercise included in the work set associated with one of the core processes included in the plurality of core processes stored in the storage unit via the input / output unit and having the user perform the exercise; a function of providing the user with information on the questions corresponding to the work set executed by the user via the input / output unit after the user has executed the work set, obtaining the answers given by the user to the information on the questions, and evaluating the effectiveness of the execution of the work by the user based on the answers; a function of providing the user with exercises of a work set corresponding to the core process performed by the user and stored in the storage device via the input / output unit and having the user perform the exercises again if the result of the evaluation does not satisfy the standard; A program that realizes the above in the system.

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