Half a croissant, on a plate, with a sign in front of it saying '50c'
h a l f b a k e r y
A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside a rich, flaky crust

idea: add, search, annotate, link, view, overview, recent, by name, best, random

meta: news, help, about, links, report a problem

account: Browse anonymously, or get an account and write.

User:
Pass:
Login
Create account.


          Please log in.
If you're not logged in, you can see what this page looks like, but you will not be able to add anything.

Programmable cell-phone headsets for Schizophrenics
Headsets talk back with calming words
  (+3, -1)
(+3, -1) 		  [vote for,
against]


I've long thought that it would be beneficial to provide schizophrenics with cell-phone headsets so they could talk with their imaginary friends without drawing unwanted attention. However, it just struck me that it might helpful if the headsets could be programmed to talk back – providing reassuring and calming conversation during mental breaks.

The headset/recorder could be designed to respond to troubling key words or phrases with some sort of calming response. They could be programmed by the user during times of mental stability (when they're on their meds) or by a care-giver. (Of course, they could also be programmed by an evil relative who might want to encourage certain violent or self-destructive tendencies)

As an alternative -- without the users knowledge -- the headsets might also be designed to inject mood-altering drugs into the wearer when they become too excited or loud. Or, they might send out a cell-phone alert to a care-giver when the conversation turns to violence.

jdlaugh, Jan 03 2008


Short name, e.g., Bob's Coffee

Destination URL. E.g., http://www.coffee.com/

Description (displayed with the short name and URL.)







       The "cellphones for the homeless" as a gag is old; I've seen several stand-up comedians do that.
   

       But why not give them cell-phones with *people* on the other end to talk to.
FlyingToaster, Jan 03 2008
   

       The idea of the dummy phone is old -- the focus here is one that talks back...
jdlaugh, Jan 03 2008
   

       people who have irregular heartbeats are given holter monitors to help with treatment.   

       your device could also serve as a monitor to help with schizophrenia management. it will give an accurate picture of what the patient is going through.
pyggy potamus, Jan 03 2008
   


 
back: main index
 business 
 computer 
 culture 
 fashion 
 food 
 halfbakery 
 home 
 other 
 product 
 public 
 science 
 sport 
 vehicle