Dealing with mental health conditions in life can be challenging for people no matter how strong and physically fit they are. According to recent statistics and data, this is the problem with every one or the other Americans.
The worst part is that nearly 40% of Americans live in areas where there are no good medical professionals to meet the growing demand for mental illnesses. The problem rose further with the advent of COVID-19 as mental health challenges increased.
Thankfully, no more worrying about mental healthcare as artificial intelligence has got you covered. AI combined with machine learning is capable enough of dealing with mental health challenges. AI has not only revolutionized mental healthcare but also transformed digital marketing industry.
Let’s have an insight into how AI has revolutionized mental healthcare and will do so in the coming time.
Ways AI Has Revolutionized Mental Healthcare
Recognizing mental health issues
The foremost way in which AI has revolutionized mental healthcare is by recognizing mental health issues. AI is destigmatizing mental health issues by making them more quantifiable and less subjective.
Till now, there is no blood test for recognizing mental health conditions but luckily, machine learning can help in this. Machine learning will be an objective-based test to eliminate the need to seek treatment.
AI will make mental health treatment available to all as the more people seek the treatment, the less shameful it will seem. No doubt that AI cannot replace human doctors and therapists but it can for sure support them.
Unlike human therapists, AI can offer 24×7 support and can serve as a lifeline for people in rural areas who have limited access to such treatments.
24×7 support
Whether you live in rural areas or urban areas, AI-enabled chatbots and apps are available 24×7 irrespective of the time. The best part is that you don’t need to incur great expenses to use these apps as they are low-cost and affordable for most people.
AI is always available to discuss your medical concerns over a call and make people feel comfortable when discussing their struggles. Initially, it’ll seem difficult as these tools are new, and not many people are familiar with using such tools.
But these apps are also best when it comes to tracking and improving the mood who would otherwise have trouble getting the desired care. Smartphone-based modern tools can help patients with exercises based on cognitive behavioral therapy to help people cope with the symptoms.
Reducing biases and human error
The next change brought about by artificial intelligence in the mental healthcare industry is reduced bias and human errors. There have been countless instances where algorithms have been successful at detecting conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
This is done by analyzing facial expressions and speech patterns. The therapists can use these tools during the patient intake meetings to act as backup. These meetings are not that long and are brief.
As the providers are rushing from appointment to appointment might not notice the minutest signs of trouble. Thanks to an AI tool that keeps on reminding the physician to dig deeper into the problems and help people overcome mental illness.
Combining mental healthcare with physical healthcare
AI has also integrated mental healthcare with physical healthcare. Machine learning algorithms have developed to such an extent that can alert surgeons about the patient suffering from severe mental illness.
One recent study conducted on mental illness reported that patients suffering from injuries are likely to commit suicide later on. If the patients are given medications, then they are likely to become addicted to them.
But with AI, patients no longer need to depend on medications as they can use an array of techniques to get rid of their mental illness symptoms.
Noting early signs
AI-enabled devices such as smartphones identify teens developing any mental illness, depression, or psychosis pretty early. The research conducted on this reveals that these devices were 100% accurate.
These devices not only notify the doctor regarding the upcoming disease but also alerts the doctor when things are turning worse. The patients can also answer a few questions and help the app to detect the early signs which could otherwise go unnoticed.
Living in times of medication dependence, timely interventions by way of AI can save a person’s life. Consequently, it is the AI tools only that can provide invaluable support to the patients and catch the warnings before it gets out of control.
Conclusion
By going through the above-mentioned post, it can clearly be said that AI can assist doctors and therapists in identifying mental illnesses and making people healthier. It can’t replace human therapists but can support them in diverse ways. Consequently, it can rightly be said that AI has revolutionized mental healthcare.