Harnessing AI in depression therapy: Integrating technology with traditional approaches

Ali Husnain 1, Aftab Ahmad 2, Ayesha Saeed 3, * and Saira Moin U Din 4

1 Department of Computer Science, University of Chicago, USA.
2 Department of Computer Science, American National University, USA.
3 Department of Computer Science, University of Lahore, Pakistan.
4 Department of Computer Science, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.
 
Research Article
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2024, 12(02), 2585–2590.
Article DOI: 10.30574/ijsra.2024.12.2.1512
Publication history: 
Received on 07 July 2024; revised on 22 August 2024; accepted on 24 August 2024
 
Abstract: 
Depression is a pervasive mental health disorder affecting millions worldwide, with traditional therapeutic approaches such as medication and psychotherapy serving as the primary modes of treatment. However, the limitations of these methods, including variable patient responses and challenges in accessibility, have driven the exploration of innovative solutions. This paper investigates the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into traditional therapies, proposing a hybrid approach to enhance the efficacy of depression treatment. AI technologies, including chatbots, predictive analytics, and personalized virtual therapy, offer significant potential to complement existing treatments by providing continuous support, tailoring interventions to individual needs, and improving patient adherence. Through a review of current literature, this paper discusses the applications, benefits, and ethical considerations of AI in mental health, highlighting its transformative role in augmenting traditional therapeutic practices.
 
Keywords: 
Pharmacotherapy; Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT); Virtual Reality (VR); Psychotherapy; Sentiment
 
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