Authors (including presenting author) :
Hariman KW(1), Ventriglio A(2), Bhugra D(3)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of General Adult Psychiatry, Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong
(2) University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
(3) Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, London, UK
Introduction :
Treatments in psychiatry have been rapidly changing over the last century, following the development of psychopharmacology and new research achievements. However, with advances in technology, the practice of psychiatry in the future will likely be influenced by new trends based on computerized approaches and digital communication.
Objectives :
The objective is to examine the latest technology that will influence the way psychiatry is practiced at a clinical setting and the relevant ethical challenges.
Methodology :
In this narrative review, we examined four major areas that will probably impact on the clinical practice in the next few years: telepsychiatry; social media; mobile applications and internet of things; artificial intelligence and machine learning. The ethical issues will also be discussed.
Result & Outcome :
Developments in these four areas will benefit patients throughout the journey of the illness, encompassing early diagnosis, even before the patients present to a clinician; personalized treatment on demand at anytime and anywhere; better prediction on patient outcomes; and even how mental illnesses are diagnosed in the future. Though the evidence for many technology-based interventions or mobile applications is still insufficient, it is likely that such advances in technology will play a larger role in the way that patient receives mental health interventions in the future, leading to easier access to them and improved outcomes.
