Shenzhen University researchers develop AI to predict depression risk

Researchers at Shenzhen University have developed an artificial intelligence model capable of predicting the risk of depression up to four years in advance. The deep learning model was created by analyzing data from two clinical trials involving adolescents across several European countries.

The research utilized data from participants aged 16, 19, and 23, incorporating MRI scans, blood tests, and questionnaires. A key finding from the study indicates that an individual's ability to recognize emotions on facial expressions is linked to future mental health outcomes. Specifically, participants whose brains struggled to distinguish between different facial expressions, or those who tended to interpret neutral expressions as hostile, showed a higher likelihood of developing depression and anxiety in adulthood.

By predicting how human neurons respond to various emotions, such as anger, the model aims to provide early warnings that could allow for timely interventions and improved treatment outcomes for the millions of people affected by Major Depressive Disorder worldwide.