Application of artificial intelligence for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment in psychology: a review

Abstract

Over the past few decades, technological and scientific developments have shaped our understanding of underlying characteristics of human neurobiology, emotions, thoughts and their association with psychological illnesses. However, despite the advances in the discipline there is widespread disappointment with the progress in diagnosing, predicting, and treating psychological disorders. At present we have various approaches available in form of interview, observation and psychometric tools for assessment of clients with mental health problems. Mostly psychometric questionnaires are used for diagnosis, but these are often unreliable, imprecise or unable to provide a consistent assessment of the symptomology of the clients. However, these restrictions can be overcome using artificial intelligence (AI) and its approaches. In psychology, AI is a general term that may be considered as usage of computer-related technology and algorithms for diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, and treatment of mental health problems. The idea of amalgamating the complexities of psychology and dynamism of AI has gained momentum in recent times. Since a decade or so ago, there has been an increase in application of AI in the profession of medicine; however, psychology still needs a lot of work for effectiveness. This article provides a review on the application of AI in important functions of psychology in the clinical field: diagnosis, prediction, and treatment of psychological disorders. It also focuses on the challenges and limitations of AI in psychological practice.