Zonguldak University develops AI-powered depression detection system

Dr. Hakan Kayış, Head of the Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Hospital, has developed a ‘Machine Learning Supported Depression Detection System’. The technology has officially received a ‘useful model’ certificate from the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.

The system utilizes smart glasses equipped with a camera and microphone to assist psychiatrists during patient consultations. Specialized computer software, developed in collaboration with computer engineer Çınar Gedizlioğlu from Izmir University of Economics, analyzes facial micro-expressions and subtle visual cues that may be difficult for the human eye to detect.

Dr. Kayış emphasized that the technology is intended as a decision-support mechanism rather than a replacement for medical professionals. Since psychiatric diagnoses often rely heavily on subjective clinical interviews rather than blood tests or imaging, this tool aims to provide objective data to support physicians. While the primary focus is depression, the goal is to expand the system's application to various other psychiatric disorders in the future.