(2014-10-22) Psyberguide Apps For Moodtracking An Expert Reviews The Products

PsyberGuide: Apps for Mood-Tracking: An Expert Reviews the Products. Comparison of mood-tracking apps: Mood Tracking Journal and Diary, Moodlytics, eMoods Bipolar Tracker, and Mood Tracker

Mood Tracking Journal and Diary is the simplest and most flexible of the mood tracking apps reviewed here

There is no reminder setting for this app and it is therefore incumbent upon the user to log moods consistently.

The free version of Mood Tracking Journal and Diary is public

Mood states are entered freely, without a menu of mood options to choose from, and are rated on a scale from 1 (best) to 5 (worst).

Moodlytics is also flexible, but offers a more in-depth, guided mood tracking experience

A wide range of moods are depicted as colorful and expressive emoticons, which can be changed, added or deleted based on personal experience or preference

Alternatively, the user can schedule reminders to rate moods on selected days of the week, between a start and end time, and with what frequency.

The main drawback of Moodlytics is that there is no option to rate the severity of a mood state, which may be a disadvantage to those seeking to understand how specific symptoms may fluctuate over time.

eMoods Bipolar Mood Tracker

Each entry consists of ratings for depressed and elevated mood, irritability and anxiety, rated on a 4-point continuum (none, mild, moderate, severe).

Symptom ratings are made once daily; a reminder is provided at a programmed time. Although ratings can be edited over the course of the day, only the last entry will be saved. This may limit the utility for some individuals who may experience more frequent shifts in mood.

Whereas other apps allow the user to edit mood tracking features, eMoods Bipolar Tracker does not provide the option to add symptoms (e.g. appetite increase/decrease, impulsivity) or behaviors (e.g. substance use) that may be of interest and therapeutically relevant. A notes section does allow the user to log such experiences, although those symptoms will not be quantifiable if specific symptom tracking is of interest.

Mood Tracker on Medhelp.org