How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Depression
Did you know that there is new type of computer science being incorporated in mental health treatments? Artificial intelligence (also known as machine intelligence) is best known for the development of “smart machines” that can think and act like humans. Studies reveal that it can understand mood disorders and predict if an antidepressant can help to treat depression based on a patient’s brain condition.
Even newer studies reveal that artificial intelligence can help doctors to diagnose depression symptoms accurately and suggest treatments accordingly. In the last 25 years, the intake of antidepressants has increased by 65%. This makes it all the more important to understand the various aspects of depression and suggest adequate treatment.
If you’ve ever hopefully taken an antidepressant, then learned it wasn’t effective, you know how shattering for the experience can be. The hope is beginning to be realized: artificial intelligence can help patients to avoid experimenting with various medications and their side-effects. By using a huge amount of data to understand the brain activity of people and predict which patients will improve with medications, artificial intelligence programs can improve accuracy with less need for trial and error. Moreover, artificial programs can also help to identify the patients who are likely to improve with psychotherapy and brain stimulation instead of medication.
3 Ways Machine Learning Makes Depression Treatment Easier
Individuals can seek help 24-7 using machine learning apps.
The best part of artificial intelligence is that it is available 24-7 at a negligible cost. Download apps like Wysa, WoeBot, Tess, Youper to see if they help you. The programs are developed in a way that anyone can use them anytime, anywhere. The artificial intelligence programs ask questions in order to help understand how to help patients, establishing a therapeutic rapport with them. It takes time for the app to complete the entire process but the result is good as there is better detection. The app can suggest a treatment that may help to fulfill the emotional needs and requirements of an individual.
If you want to go for traditional counseling, you have to schedule an appointment with the therapist for 50 minutes or more in a week. This means the therapist needs to find a slot in his/her schedule for you. And, you have to check if you can fit in your busy schedule. You have to take leave from work or school to attend the session with the psychiatrist or therapist. You have to make all the necessary arrangements with school, college, and office for attending the session. And, this is not all. You have to waste a huge amount of time commuting to the mental health clinic. The best part of artificial intelligence programs is that you can access mental health resources at your convenience. You can explore them at midnight, during your holidays, or at lunch break in the office. The choice is yours. And, the icing on the cake is that these programs are quite cost-effective. You won’t have to worry about spending too much on them.
Machine learning apps ensure your privacy.
Technology provides privacy and anonymity, which is a boon for people suffering from major depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or any other mental health issue. The stigma attached to mental disorders often stops individuals from seeking help. Plus, many individuals feel embarrassed to speak about their problems up front. The apps developed by artificial intelligence programs help individuals to get mental health treatment anonymously.
Individuals can get mental health services at their home only. There is no fear of bumping into someone while going to the therapist’s clinic. No one can know that they are receiving mental health care. For some people, sharing emotional vulnerabilities, feelings, hurt, pangs, traumatic experiences, etc. face-to-face is extremely difficult. They feel much more comfortable in sharing their feelings through a screen.
Machine learning apps connect therapists with individuals.
An integral part of the healing process is striking the right connection with the counselor. Unless there is a great bond between the therapist and the individual, it’s difficult to get effective results. Apps developed by artificial programs are based on a gigantic amount of data and research. These programs help individuals to feel connected. As such, they feel free to express their dilemmas and feelings. The trust factor is there. Without trust, it’s tough to provide emotional support to individuals. There is yet another added advantage of apps run by artificial intelligence programs. People can get connected with mental health resources in the most challenging situations. For instance, in remote locations, it’s tough to get access to mental health care. Even if there are resources, they may not be enough to cater to the demands of the entire population. Technology-based apps can help to bridge that gap even if the individuals are at the farthest corner of the world.
Some Final Thoughts on Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence programs and apps help to break all the barriers to mental health care. Individuals shed their inhibition and seek help from the therapists and psychiatrists. This is a great benefit of artificial intelligence programs. But there are a few limitations: For instance, clinicians are still getting up to speed on how to use these kinds of apps! As are users. We’re just starting this journey, but it will be fascinating to keep an eye Otherwise, they won’t be able to get the benefits and get healed completely.
Ralph Macey works with the mental health clinic SavantCare. HIs work involves removing the social stigma associated with chronic mental disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dementia, ADHD, depression, loneliness, and PTSD.
You can connect with him here.