An agent model of temporal dynamics in relapse and recurrence in depression

Abstract

This paper presents a dynamic agent model of recurrences of a depression for an individual. Based on several personal characteristics and a representation of events (i.e. life events or daily hassles) the agent model can simulate whether a human agent that recovered from a depression will fall into a relapse or recurrence. A number of well-known relations between events and the course of depression are summarized from the literature and it is shown that the model exhibits those patterns. In addition, the agent model has been mathematically analyzed to find out which stable situations exist. Finally, it is pointed out how this model can be used in depression therapy, supported by a software agent. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.