Using computer vision of facial expressions to assess symptom domains and treatment response in antipsychotic-naïve patients with first-episode psychosis

Abstract

Background: Facial expressions are a core aspect of non-verbal communication. Reduced emotional expressiveness of the face is a common negative symptom of schizophrenia, however, quantifying negative symptoms can be clinically challenging and involves a considerable element of rater subjectivity. We used computer vision to investigate if (i) automated assessment of facial expressions captures negative as well as positive and general symptom domains, and (ii) if automated assessments are associated with treatment response in initially antipsychotic-naïve patients with first-episode psychosis. Method: We included 46 patients (mean age 25.4 (6.1); 65.2% males). Psychopathology was assessed at b..