Researchers use Computer Program to Identify Teens at Risk of Mental Illness

According to a group of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh the day is not too far when computer programs will be deployed in order to identify teenagers who are vulnerable to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Such advanced computer programs when integrated with the existing brain scanning procedures, could accurately distinguish healthy adolescents from those who are at the risk of suffering from mental disorders revealed the researchers.

Experts are of the opinion that when and if the program promised by the researchers finally hits the health industry, it could play a rather crucial role in the treatment of mental disorders.

"Anxiety and mood disorders can have a devastating effect on the individuals concerned and on their families and friends," Mary Phillips, researcher at the University of Pittsburgh explained, reports LiveScience.

"If we are able to identify those individuals at greatest risk early on, we can offer early and appropriate interventions to delay, or even prevent, onset of these terrible conditions," she added.

Though the study is still in its early stages, it is already proving its worth as it reportedly delivered 75 per cent accuracy in the preliminary tests conducted on a number of teens.