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. 2025 Feb 14;25(1):132.
doi: 10.1186/s12888-025-06483-2.

The application of artificial intelligence in the field of mental health: a systematic review

Raziye Dehbozorgi  1   2 , Sanaz Zangeneh  3 , Elham Khooshab  4 , Donya Hafezi Nia  5 , Hamid Reza Hanif  6 , Pooya Samian  7 , Mahmoud Yousefi  8 , Fatemeh Haj Hashemi  9 , Morteza Vakili  10 , Neda Jamalimoghadam  11 , Fatemeh Lohrasebi  5
Affiliations

The application of artificial intelligence in the field of mental health: a systematic review

Raziye Dehbozorgi et al. BMC Psychiatry. .

Abstract

Introduction: The integration of artificial intelligence in mental health care represents a transformative shift in the identification, treatment, and management of mental disorders. This systematic review explores the diverse applications of artificial intelligence, emphasizing both its benefits and associated challenges.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, including ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, and Persian databases, resulting in 2,638 initial records. After removing duplicates and applying strict selection criteria, 15 articles were included for analysis.

Results: The findings indicate that AI enhances early detection and intervention for mental health conditions. Various studies highlighted the effectiveness of AI-driven tools, such as chatbots and predictive modeling, in improving patient engagement and tailoring interventions. Notably, tools like the Wysa app demonstrated significant improvements in user-reported mental health symptoms. However, ethical considerations regarding data privacy and algorithm transparency emerged as critical challenges.

Discussion: While the reviewed studies indicate a generally positive trend in AI applications, some methodologies exhibited moderate quality, suggesting room for improvement. Involving stakeholders in the creation of AI technologies is essential for building trust and tackling ethical issues. Future studies should aim to enhance AI methods and investigate their applicability across various populations.

Conclusion: This review underscores the potential of AI to revolutionize mental health care through enhanced accessibility and personalized interventions. However, careful consideration of ethical implications and methodological rigor is essential to ensure the responsible deployment of AI technologies in this sensitive field.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Digital Health; Machine Learning; Mental Health; Natural Language Processing.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This research was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards set forth in the Declaration of Helsinki. The findings will be presented in a collective format to ensure transparency and accessibility. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Diagram for the inclusion and exclusion of articles
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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