Can machine learning be used to screen for PTSD symptoms?

Kathy Dardeck, Ed.D., is a licensed psychologist with over three decades of experience in both academia and clinical practice. Of particular interest to Kathy Dardeck is the role of disaster mental health and psychology in mitigating traumatic stress following both natural and man-made disasters. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that some people develop after extremely traumatic events such as war, crimes, or natural disasters.

PTSD is a mental disorder brought on by a life-threatening or traumatic event, that is characterized by symptoms that can disrupt and seriously interfere with a person’s ability to function. Both the causes of PTSD and how it affects a person can vary widely. However, being able to forecast the risk factors that may exist for developing PTSD can be of enormous benefit to both individuals and society as a whole.

One approach to developing a method of screening for PTSD risk has been the use of machine learning, also known as artificial intelligence. Research studies hypothesize that machine learning methods can successfully integrate ecological risk factors to develop models for identifying individuals at risk for developing PTSD. Potentially large numbers of individuals can be simultaneously screened, making this method both cost and time-effective. While it should not be used in lieu of getting a proper diagnosis from a licensed clinician, using machine learning to screen large populations is an exciting development in the potential identification of individuals needing further evaluation or coping strategies.

What Is a Crisis?

Kathryn Dardeck, EdD, teaches psychology courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Currently serving as an adjunct faculty member at William James College, she is a licensed psychologist who maintains a professional interest in trauma and disaster mental health. Dr. Kathryn (Kathy) Dardeck served as the chair and co-chair for the Massachusetts Psychological Association Disaster Response Network for 17 years, and has taught many courses on disaster mental health, traumatic stress, and crisis intervention.

Crisis counseling helps individuals regain a sense of control, stability, and safety after a crisis event. Crises differ from problems and emergencies. Unlike problems, crises frequently require intervention in order to resolve, and unlike emergencies, crises may be long-lasting. All crises are unique, but all involve a stressful situation that makes coping challenging and intervention potentially helpful.

Many different events can trigger a crisis and one may occur at any point in a person’s life. Crises may range from a family situation, such as a child abuse investigation or a chronically ill family member, to economic situations such as a sudden financial strain. Neighborhood violence, inadequate housing, and other community situations can contribute to the development of a crisis. Natural disasters are also common creators of crisis situations.