Digital Interventions for Mental Disorders: Key Features, Efficacy, and Potential for Artificial Intelligence Applications

David Daniel Ebert*, Mathias Harrer, Jennifer Apolinário-Hagen, Harald Baumeister

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book / Report / Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Mental disorders are highly prevalent and often remain untreated. Many limitations of conventional face-to-face psychological interventions could potentially be overcome through Internet-based and mobile-based interventions (IMIs). This chapter introduces core features of IMIs, describes areas of application, presents evidence on the efficacy of IMIs as well as potential effect mechanisms, and delineates how Artificial Intelligence combined with IMIs may improve current practices in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders in adults. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials clearly show that therapist-guided IMIs can be highly effective for a broad range of mental health problems. Whether the effects of unguided IMIs are also clinically relevant, particularly under routine care conditions, is less clear. First studies on IMIs for the prevention of mental disorders have shown promising results. Despite limitations and challenges, IMIs are increasingly implemented into routine care worldwide. IMIs are also well suited for applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, which provides ample opportunities to improve the identification and treatment of mental disorders. Together with methodological innovations, these approaches may also deepen our understanding of how psychological interventions work, and why. Ethical and professional restraints as well as potential contraindications of IMIs, however, should also be considered. In sum, IMIs have a high potential for improving the prevention and treatment of mental health disorders across various indications, settings, and populations. Therefore, implementing IMIs into routine care as both adjunct and alternative to face-to-face treatment is highly desirable. Technological advancements may further enhance the variability and flexibility of IMIs, and thus even further increase their impact in people’s lives in the future.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFrontiers in Psychiatry
Subtitle of host publicationArtificial Intelligence, Precision Medicine, and Other Paradigm Shifts
EditorsYong-Ku Kim
PublisherSpringer New York LLC
Pages583-627
Number of pages45
ISBN (Electronic)9789813297210
ISBN (Print)9789813297203
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Publication series

NameAdvances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Volume1192
ISSN (Print)0065-2598
ISSN (Electronic)2214-8019

Keywords

  • Artificial intelligence
  • eHealth
  • Internet interventions
  • Machine learning
  • Mental disorders
  • Prevention
  • Psychotherapy

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