A health and wellness company has launched an at-home saliva test designed to measure indicators of mental health.
Tune by Harper uses a lollipop to test saliva samples, providing an accurate and objective measure of wellbeing when combined with digital assessments.
Tune measures health indicators such as cortisol and hydration levels which can be used to identify mental wellness issues such as chronic stress and burnout.
The kit, which is sent in the mail, takes around five minutes to complete.
Users are required to hold the sample collection lollipop in their mouths until the indicator changes colour.
The kit is then mailed back to Harper using the pre-paid packaging so the sample can be tested.
While Tune does not test for genetic precursors of mental wellbeing, it can help people understand why they are feeling in a particular way.
Dr Theodore Cosco, PhD CPsychol, Chief Scientist at Harper, said:
“At Harper we are highlighting the link between physical and mental health and the knock-on effects of mental health on physical outcomes.
“Empowering consumers with information about their levels of cortisol and other hormones, they can better understand their own mental health and how they can make changes to be healthier and happier. ”
Harper has conducted extensive evidence-based research into the link between physical and mental health.
The research found that people with physical health conditions are likely to experience stress, depression and anxiety, which can amplify the condition’s negative effects or even partially cause the condition.
Harper’s programme ‘improves users’ wellbeing, which results in improvements to their mental and physical health,’ the company said.
Mithi Thaya, CEO and Co-Founder of Harper commented:
“We have developed Tune to allow people to really get to know themselves and to understand how their mind works.
“We are really excited for the launch and to provide users with more knowledge to understand their mental health, supported by tools to live a fuller and happier life.
“The test kits have been designed in a way that are easy-to-use and are non-invasive and after a lot of research and testing we are excited for the public launch early next year.”
A national YouGov survey commissioned by Harper found that more than half of adults in the UK (51 percent) are interested in understanding their mental wellbeing with scientific data from assessments, tests or games.
The survey also revealed that 41 percent of respondents have had difficulties with their mental health due to a physical health problem while 44 percent were unsuccessful at finding the necessary mental health support they required.
Tune is launching in early 2023.
