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How to Predict Mental Illnesses: The Digital Future of Mental Healthcare

A golden opportunity hidden in the mental health crisis

The mental health crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our times: 11% of the global population suffers from a mental health condition, an unprecedented level in human history.

Declining mental health can be incredibly destructive, both personally and collectively. For the individual, mental health decline can result in serious emotional and physical issues that rob our enjoyment of life.

For broader society, declining mental health is proving highly expensive. Currently, the mental health crisis is costing the global economy an annual $2.5 trillion USD in lost productivity - and it’s estimated to grow to $6 trillion USD by 2027.

A $397.4 billion USD mental health industry has blossomed in response,2 supplying a range of apps and counseling services to help those struggling with mental illness. But despite the market providing ample solutions, the mental health crisis continues to grow.1  

References

  1. Auxier, B., Wescott, K., & Bucaille, A. (2021, December 1). Mental health goes mobile: The Mental Health App Market Will Keep on Growing. Deloitte Insights. Retrieved May 24, 2022, from https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/pt/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/TMTPredictions/tmt-predictions-2022/Healthcare_estudo_completo_Mental-health.pdf 
  2. MarketWatch. (2022, March 16). Mental health market growth statistics 2022, industry trends, size, share, business strategies, top-countries data, players analysis, demand status and forecast 2030. MarketWatch. Retrieved May 24, 2022, from https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/mental-health-market-growth-statistics-2022-industry-trends-size-share-business-strategies-top-countries-data-players-analysis-demand-status-and-forecast-2030-2022-03-16 
  3. Social Solutions. (2022, May 4). Top 5 barriers to Mental Healthcare Access. Social Solutions. Retrieved May 24, 2022, from https://www.socialsolutions.com/blog/barriers-to-mental-healthcare-access/ 
  4. Hahn, T., Nierenberg, A. A., & Whitfield-Gabrieli, S. (2016). Predictive analytics in mental health: Applications, guidelines, challenges and perspectives. Molecular Psychiatry, 22(1), 37–43. https://doi.org/10.1038/mp.2016.201 
  5. Al-Mosaiwi, M., & Johnstone, T. (2019). In an absolute state: Elevated use of absolutist words is a marker specific to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Clinical Psychological Science, 7(3), 636–637. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167702619843297 
  6. Conway, M., & O’Connor, D. (2016). Social Media, Big Data, and Mental Health: Current advances and ethical implications. Current Opinion in Psychology, 9, 77–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.01.004

About the Authors

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Triumph Kerins

Triumph is passionate about understanding how human behavior influences our world. Whether it be global macroeconomics or neural networks, he is fascinated by how complex systems work, as well as how our own behavior can help create, sustain, and break these systems. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Psychology at McGill University, attempting to design an interdisciplinary approach to better understand all the quirks that make us human. He has experience in non-profit consulting, journalism, and research. Outside of work, you can find Triumph playing bass guitar, gardening, or down at a local basketball court.

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Dr. Sekoul Krastev

Sekoul is a Co-Founder and Managing Director at The Decision Lab. He is a bestselling author of Intention - a book he wrote with Wiley on the mindful application of behavioral science in organizations. A decision scientist with a PhD in Decision Neuroscience from McGill University, Sekoul's work has been featured in peer-reviewed journals and has been presented at conferences around the world. Sekoul previously advised management on innovation and engagement strategy at The Boston Consulting Group as well as on online media strategy at Google. He has a deep interest in the applications of behavioral science to new technology and has published on these topics in places such as the Huffington Post and Strategy & Business.

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Sarah Chudleigh

Sarah Chudleigh is passionate about the accessible distribution of academic research. She has had the opportunity to practice this as an organizer of TEDx conferences, editor-in-chief of her undergraduate academic journal, and lead editor at the LSE Social Policy Blog. Sarah gained a deep appreciation for interdisciplinary research during her liberal arts degree at Quest University Canada, where she specialized in political decision-making. Her current graduate research at the London School of Economics and Political Science examines the impact of national values on motivations to privately sponsor refugees, a continuation of her interest in political analysis, identity, and migration policy. On weekends, you can find Sarah gardening at her local urban farm.

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I was blown away with their application and translation of behavioral science into practice. They took a very complex ecosystem and created a series of interventions using an innovative mix of the latest research and creative client co-creation. I was so impressed at the final product they created, which was hugely comprehensive despite the large scope of the client being of the world's most far-reaching and best known consumer brands. I'm excited to see what we can create together in the future.

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By launching a behavioral science practice at the core of the organization, we helped one of the largest insurers in North America realize $30M increase in annual revenue.

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By redesigning North America's first national digital platform for mental health, we achieved a 52% lift in monthly users and an 83% improvement on clinical assessment.

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By designing a new process and getting buy-in from the C-Suite team, we helped one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world reduce software design time by 75%.

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By implementing targeted nudges based on proactive interventions, we reduced drop-off rates for 450,000 clients belonging to USA's oldest debt consolidation organizations by 46%

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