Talk, Parallel sessions

Can we use AI and video games to diagnose mental illness?

Thursday June 22, 16:25, Alternative Stage GNO

This session explored the potential of artificial intelligence in revolutionizing mental health assessments. While 75% of people needing mental health assistance never receive it, physical ailments like diabetes are routinely diagnosed and managed by comparing test results. Mental health assessments typically rely on questionnaires, but what if technology could offer an alternative solution? Everyday activities and behaviors, such as speech patterns, eye movements, and even how we play video games, could be used for diagnosing mental health conditions. The researchers developed video games designed to capture depression signals based on neuroscience protocols that include speech, video, and behavioral analysis. Such techniques can identify common traits and states associated with depression. AI has the potential to revolutionize mental health assessments by increasing access, reducing bias, and removing stigma. However, it's vital to remember that AI is not a cure-all. It's fundamentally a pattern identifier, and if biased data is fed into it, it will produce biased results. Therefore, the safe and effective harnessing of AI in mental health requires safeguards. AI tools should augment, not replace, human practitioners in the mental health field, thereby fostering a more comprehensive and effective approach to mental health care.