Chinese scientists develop AI model to predict depression risk years in advance

Chinese scientists have developed an AI model they say could be used to predict the risk of depression up to four years in advance.

Major Depressive Disorder affects over 332 million people worldwide, according to the researchers at Shenzhen University, and is notoriously difficult to treat.

The ability to predict the risk of depression and take preventive measures could prove a significant public health benefit.

The model was built using data from two clinical trials on adolescent depression conducted in several European countries.

In one study, the participants underwent follow-up examinations – consisting of MRI scans, blood tests and questionnaires – at the ages of 16, 19 and 23 to determine whether they had depression.

The Chinese team analysed this data before using it to design an artificial intelligence model used to detect depression risks.