Building at the intersection of intelligence and science requires us to also embrace an empirical approach. Therefore, research plays a crucial role and remains our north star.
GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH
PAST - PRESENT - FUTURE
Depression becomes leading cause of illness and disability worldwide.
322 million people are estimated to suffer from depression.
Number hits One billion- People living with mental health disorders compared to 322 million in 2019.
A global total of over 50 million Years Lived with Disability (YLD) due to Depressive disorders in 2015.
$16 Trillion predicted to be lost annually by 2030 due to depression and anxiety disorders.
Global digital health market is $118 billion worldwide, with mental health as one of the fastest-growing sectors.
Historical growth in mental health tech start-ups funding reaching a record of $602 million in 2018.
Mobile Medical Applications (MMAs) - A powerful tool to actively manage mental health.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & TECHNOLOGY IN MENTAL HEALTHCARE
Integration of AI into healthcare can dramatically improve the quality of mental healthcare.
AI is becoming a fundamental part of business and healthcare.
Andersson and team employ early internet in a novel fashion, adherence proves challenging.
Regular supervision through technology: The solution for 'treatment adherance' problem, Claims Dr Carlbring, 2006.
Oxford researchers prove Internet-based cognitive therapy (iBCT) reduces therapist time from 19 hours to 3.8 hours without compromising efficacy.
Rapee and his team confirm that technology frees time for mental health professionals to deal with intensive interventions.
Internet-based cognitive therapy (iBCT) can potentially improve 550 million lives worldwide (~7% of the world's population).
A 24/7 solution to assess and intervene immediately for patients can revolutionise mental health care, confirms the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
ISOLATION AND LONELINESS
Isolation and loneliness decrease the likelihood of survival by 50% compared to individuals with stronger social relationships.
Social Isolation and Loneliness have the same effect as smoking 15 cigarettes daily, confirms Dr Vivek Murthy, US Public Health Service.
Social Isolation: A significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality in humans for more than a quarter of a century.
Isolation disrupts thinking abilities, willpower, and immune systems.
A ground-breaking research by social neuroscientist John T. Cacioppo.A lack of social relationships is more dangerous than obesity.
Flegal and the team confirm.UK and Japanese Ministers for Loneliness pledge to tackle loneliness.
Adolescents attending school virtually reported poorer mental health and an increased likelihood of committing suicide, confirms Dr Ethier and team.
Potential sources of support for those of any age who now feel isolated are technology-centred, IBM report by Prof. Palmarini and Ms Fraser.
Digital Therapy: An emerging approach to effective delivery of behavioral therapy, and fundamentally complementary to pharmacotherapy.
Physical activity may reduce depression.
VIRTUAL HUMANS & STIGMA IN MENTAL HEALTHCARE
Virtual humans increase their willingness to disclose over real humans.
Computers increase anonymity but fail to build rapport, unlike humans.
Facial expressions, gaze, gestures and postures powerfully influence feelings of rapport.
The absence of a human or human-like agent makes people feel less socially connected during a clinical assessment.
Greater feelings of rapport lead patients to disclose more personal information.
Patients hide personal information fearing negative judgement by the healthcare professional.
Individuals prefer computer-administered assessments when the information is illegal, unethical, or culturally stigmatised.
Participants felt honest and positive about disclosing suicidal thoughts to a computer-administered assessment.
'Sense of invulnerability to criticism' and 'An illusion of privacy' make individuals respond honestly to a computer.
Fear of embarrassment prevents individuals from seeking mental health help.
OPTIMISM
Optimists Live 8 Years Longer than Pessimists.
Optimists associated with better cardiovascular outcomes, cancer outcomes and mortality.
Age Groups 20s–30s have the worst levels of Stress, Anxiety and Depression.
A conscious focus on blessings has emotional and interpersonal benefits.
Gratitude fosters social support and protects people from stress and depression.
Counting Blessings: An effective intervention for well-being enhancement in early adolescents.