Development Of Expert System - Identifying Mental Health Disorders #healthcare #mentalhealth #ai

Introduction

Introduction

In this article, we explore the development of an expert system for mental health assessment and support, designed by AI researcher and software developer Janit Pruka. The objective of this system is to provide an initial mental health assessment, mood and behavior tracking, and personalized intervention recommendations to improve access to mental health care.

What is an Expert System?

An expert system is a computer program that simulates the decision-making abilities of a human expert. It utilizes a knowledge base, which contains specific domain knowledge, and an inference engine that processes this knowledge to solve complex problems that typically require human intelligence. Key components of an expert system include:

• Knowledge Base: Contains domain-specific knowledge, facts, and rules.
• Inference Engine: Processes the knowledge to derive conclusions or solutions.
• User Interface: Allows users to interact with the system.

Expert systems are commonly employed in various fields, including medical diagnosis and chemical analysis.

Overview of Mental Health Assessment

Mental health assessments have their challenges, particularly in the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of mental health issues. Traditional methods rely heavily on self-reporting and clinical interviews, which can lead to inaccuracies. Integrating technology allows for early detection and supportive measures through accessible, scalable, and standardized platforms. Key components of mental health assessment include symptom checkers, mood and behavior tracking, and personalized recommendations.

Objective and Features of the Expert System

The aim of the system is to build an intelligent interface that can provide initial mental health assessments. Notable features include:

• Symptom Checker: Evaluates mental health symptoms and provides initial diagnosis.
• Support Recommendations: Suggests next steps based on the user's responses, such as connecting with psychiatric support or recommending lifestyle changes.

Knowledge Base Utilization

For the expert system, the ICD-10 criteria were utilized. This internationally recognized classification system by the World Health Organization provides standardized codes and criteria for diagnosing and classifying mental health disorders.

Additionally, the system is informed by clinical guidelines provided in "Handbook of Clinical Psychiatry" data. This comprehensive documentation ensures accuracy and a uniform approach to data collection.

Implementation Methodology

The system allows users to select symptoms, guided by the ICD-10 and the referenced psychiatric literature. Results include suggestions to consult with mental health professionals or modify lifestyle factors.

Example Diagnosis Process

Users can opt for specific disorders such as depression or alcohol dependency and then respond to a series of questions that guide the diagnosis. Based on the answers, the system generates results and potential actions accordingly.

Demonstration of the Expert System

The demonstration includes a user interface that allows selections from identified mental health disorders. By answering specific questions relating to their mental state, users receive tailored feedback on their conditions, along with recommendations for seeking help or changing lifestyle choices.

Conclusion

The development of an expert system for mental health assessment represents a significant advancement in facilitating access to mental health care. Leveraging AI and standardized assessments ensures a structured approach to identifying and managing mental health disorders.

Keywords

• Expert System
• Mental Health Assessment
• AI
• ICD-10
• Symptom Checker
• Personalized Recommendation
• Diagnosis

FAQ

1. What is an expert system?
An expert system is a computer program designed to mimic the decision-making abilities of a human expert using a knowledge base and inference engine.

2. How does the mental health expert system work?
The system evaluates symptoms based on user responses and provides an initial diagnosis and recommendations for next steps.

3. Why is the ICD-10 used in the system?
ICD-10 is an internationally recognized classification system for diagnosing mental health disorders, ensuring standardized and accurate assessments.

4. What are the key features of the mental health expert system?
Key features include a symptom checker, initial diagnostic tools, and support recommendations for lifestyle changes and professional help.

5. Can the expert system prescribe medications?
No, medications are unique to each individual and should be prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals. The system focuses on assessment and recommendations.