Artificial intelligence helps identify people at risk for mental illness

This video explores the innovative use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in detecting mental health issues among teenagers, a demographic currently facing a mental health crisis in the United States. Highlighting the efforts of experts at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the video showcases how AI is being utilized to identify early signs of anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies.

Unlike traditional methods, this AI analyzes both structured data, such as height and weight, and unstructured data, including conversational language and text messages from individuals who have attempted suicide. It’s capable of discerning subtle linguistic patterns, such as the frequency of noun versus pronoun usage, noting that individuals at risk often use personal pronouns less frequently. Amidst a significant therapist shortage, with an estimated deficit of 10,000 professionals, the video positions AI as a vital tool designed to augment, not replace, the work of human therapists, aiming to enhance the efficiency and focus of mental health services.