Software used to screen social media photos for depression signs

Conclusion This study suggests that a computer algorithm could be used to help screen for depression more accurately than GPs – using Instagram images. But there are several limitations that need to be considered when analysing the results: As only people with a CES-D score of between 16 and 22 (on a scale of 0-60) were included, this is likely to have ruled out those with moderate to severe depression. There were a small number of participants. Selection bias will have skewed the results – it only includes people who like to use Instagram and are willing to allow researchers access to all of their posts. Many potential participants refused to take further part in the research once they realised they'd have to share their posts. It relied on self-reporting of depression rather than formal diagnoses. The data is all from US participants, so may not be generalisable to the UK. The 100 posts from people with depression were analysed if they were within a year (before and after) of the diagnosis. As we don't know how long people may have had symptoms for before diagnosis and whether their symptoms had improved, it's difficult to make any accurate conclusions. We don't know their lifelong preferences for colours or genre when posting images. And, most importantly, the figure quoted that GP diagnostic accuracy was only at 42% was based on meta-analysis of studies where GPs were asked to diagnose depression without using questionnaires, scales or o...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Mental health Source Type: news