Next-generation wearable sensors for biopsychosocial care in mental health: a narrative review

12% of the global population experiences mental disorders, contributing to a growing public health crisis. Cognitive–behavioural therapy and interpersonal therapy, combined with pharmacological treatment when indicated, are considered the treatment of choice. However, these classical care approaches are restricted in accessibility and rely primarily on subjective assessments. Next-generation wearable devices enable continuous and lab-independent sensing of biophysical, biochemical, acousto-mechanical and socioenvironmental sources, providing a deeper understanding of a person in its relevant environment. A growing number of studies are demonstrating that these next-generation wearable devices can provide added value in several mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. This comprehensive wearable device-generated evidence can be seamlessly integrated into face-to-face and novel therapeutic approaches such as telemental health services, digital therapeutics, including just-in-time-adaptive interventions. Thus, next-generation wearable devices enable and foster biopsychosocial care in mental health.