AI and mental health

Abstract

Awareness about mental health has grown significantly in recent years, and rightly so. It is estimated that approximately 5.5% of the global population is in some way or another affected by mental illness. The increased awareness about mental health issues has led to an increased effort into tools and mechanisms to help patients with such health issues. Naturally, Artificial Intelligence (AI) research has also ventured into the area. The application of AI in the area of patient care concerning mental health has taken various forms ranging from approaches suitable for preventing mental illnesses, to the actual care of patients already diagnosed. One of the main objectives of AI has always been to find ways of predicting future events. On these lines, several researchers have investigated various techniques to diagnose patients at risk of mental illnesses earlier and be able to start treatment immediately. Researchers are now applying the same approach to help detect early signs of mental illness. [excerpt]