Enhancing mental health with Artificial Intelligence: Current trends and future prospects

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in various fields, and its application in mental healthcare is no exception. Hence, this review explores the integration of AI into mental healthcare, elucidating current trends, ethical considerations, and future directions in this dynamic field. This review encompassed recent studies, examples of AI applications, and ethical considerations shaping the field. Additionally, regulatory frameworks and trends in research and development were analyzed. We comprehensively searched four databases (PubMed, IEEE Xplore, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar). The inclusion criteria were papers published in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, or reputable online databases, papers that specifically focus on the application of AI in the field of mental healthcare, and review papers that offer a comprehensive overview, analysis, or integration of existing literature published in the English language. Current trends reveal AI's transformative potential, with applications such as the early detection of mental health disorders, personalized treatment plans, and AI-driven virtual therapists. However, these advancements are accompanied by ethical challenges concerning privacy, bias mitigation, and the preservation of the human element in therapy. Future directions emphasize the need for clear regulatory frameworks, transparent validation of AI models, and continuous research and development efforts. Integrating AI into mental healthcare and mental health therapy represents a promising frontier in healthcare. While AI holds the potential to revolutionize mental healthcare, responsible and ethical implementation is essential. By addressing current challenges and shaping future directions thoughtfully, we may effectively utilize the potential of AI to enhance the accessibility, efficacy, and ethicality of mental healthcare, thereby helping both individuals and communities.