This Speech-Analysis Software Can Foresee Mental Health Issues
Charlotte Joyce Kidd — August 31, 2015 — Unique
At Columbia University, a team of researchers used speech-analysis software to predict the onset of schizophrenia with 100% accuracy in a sample group of 34 young women.
It's common practice in psychiatry to look for predictive qualities in patterns of speech. Disjointed patterns of speech -- which are evidence of underlying confusion and loss of logical flow in a person's thoughts -- are often a sign that a patient will develop schizophrenia. In this way, doctors can predict whether a patient will experience the serious mental illness with 79% accuracy .
This study shows that computers are even better at analyzing patterns of speech and making these predictions. The sample size was small and further testing will have to be completed, but in this preliminary trial, out of the 34 at-risk women in the group, the speech-analysis software accurately identified all five who would go on to develop schizophrenia -- a huge leap for medical technology.
It's common practice in psychiatry to look for predictive qualities in patterns of speech. Disjointed patterns of speech -- which are evidence of underlying confusion and loss of logical flow in a person's thoughts -- are often a sign that a patient will develop schizophrenia. In this way, doctors can predict whether a patient will experience the serious mental illness with 79% accuracy .
This study shows that computers are even better at analyzing patterns of speech and making these predictions. The sample size was small and further testing will have to be completed, but in this preliminary trial, out of the 34 at-risk women in the group, the speech-analysis software accurately identified all five who would go on to develop schizophrenia -- a huge leap for medical technology.
Trend Themes
1. Speech-analysis Software for Mental Health Prediction - Developing and improving speech-analysis software to predict mental health issues is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the healthcare industry.
2. Artificial Intelligence-assisted Diagnosis and Treatment - Using artificial intelligence to aid in diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the healthcare industry.
3. Remote Mental Health Monitoring and Diagnosis - Developing technology for monitoring and diagnosing mental health remotely is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the healthcare industry.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can leverage speech-analysis software and artificial intelligence to predict, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions.
2. Technology - The technology industry has a significant role to play in developing and improving speech-analysis software for mental health prediction and remote monitoring.
3. Pharmaceutical - The pharmaceutical industry can explore opportunities to develop targeted treatments for mental health conditions based on artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis.
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