New App for Combat Veterans

Week of June 25, 2012

The Defense Department has announced the release of a mobile application to help servicemembers adjust to life at home after returning from combat deployments. Positive Activity Jackpot, developed by National Center for Telehealth and Technology, uses augmented reality with a smartphone's GPS to help find nearby activities and diversions for someone used to the high tempo of combat life. A behavioral therapy called pleasant event scheduling is the basis for design of the application. The therapy encourages a daily schedule of enjoyable activities to improve moods and overcome depression. Information about Positive Activity Jackpot and a clinician's guide is on the National Center for Telehealth and Technology website at www.t2health.org/apps/positiveactivityjackpot.