Informatics Technologies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health Conditions

Abstract

Mental health conditions, unlike most other illnesses and disorders today, remain bereft of objective and conclusive physiological diagnostic tests. Classically, mental disorders are diagnosed, and treatment plans determined, based on extended interviews to collect patient reported symptoms and histories, careful evaluation by well-trained clinicians, and an often Odyssean journey to reach a satisfactory treatment plan. Mental health informatics technologies may change that. Both consumer and clinician facing technologies hold promise to revolutionize the detection and diagnosis, the prevention and treatment, and the coordination and continuity of care for those with mental health conditions..