The most significant advancements in depression treatment have not occurred since the 1980s. Prozac, the first SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), marked a pivotal moment when it was introduced. This medication quickly spread globally, leading to hundreds of millions of individuals relying on SSRIs. Despite three-quarters of users reporting positive effects, not everyone experiences success with these treatments. As rates of depression continue to rise and with no substantial breakthroughs in therapies since SSRIs, an increasing number of people hope AI could revolutionize psychiatric care.
However, concerns remain. The effectiveness of chatbots hinges on the quality of data used for training. These AI tools are also susceptible to inherent biases and errors, often referred to as “hallucinations.” A recent study revealed that many well-known AI models fell short in providing reliable advice for 60% of women’s health inquiries.
Yet, AI could offer much-needed objectivity in the challenging realm of mental health diagnosis. Currently, depression diagnoses rely on ambiguous symptoms. By harnessing AI’s ability to analyze minor physical indicators, such as facial expressions and vocal patterns, psychiatry is on the path to establishing clearer biomarkers urgently needed in the field.
“
AI can finally impart the objectivity needed to tackle the challenging nature of diagnosis.
“
The consequences of inadequate treatment are profound. In the absence of novel biomarkers, recent studies have highlighted the crucial influences of relationships and exposure to nature in the prevention of depression. Notably, a recent review provided compelling evidence that physical exercise can be as effective as antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy in treating depression, although the reasons and ideal candidates for this approach remain unclear.
If AI can effectively determine which treatments suit individuals best, it may transform the lives of millions. Developers can learn to mitigate the numerous pitfalls associated with AI from the outset, ensuring that no patient encounters a “hallucinating” psychiatrist in the process.
Source: www.newscientist.com
