C+M Silver Center Studies Apply Predictive Analytics In Mental Health

Leveraging artificial intelligence-powered data analysis to predict the development of mental health conditions can lead to breakthroughs in prevention, detection, and treatment. In its latest round of funding, NYU Silver’s Constance and Martin Silver Center on Data Science and Social Equity (C+M Silver Center) has awarded grants supporting two pilot projects using such predictive analytics.

• Associate Professor Jordan DeVylder is developing a machine learning algorithm to predict outcomes among young adults with psychotic experiences.
• Associate Professors Rohini Pahwa and Kathrine Sullivan are using an AI-driven approach to measure the effects of social support on trauma survivors’ risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Katharina Schultebraucks, Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Computational Psychiatry Program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, is a co-Principal Investigator on both studies.

“The Center’s mission to drive equity through data science is well-reflected in these two important projects,” said C+M Silver Center Director Ruopeng An. “By focusing on psychosis prevention and PTSD risk, we are contributing to transformative research that has the potential to shape the future of mental health care.”

Predicting Persistent Symptoms of Psychosis

Dr. DeVylder’s study aims to employ machine learning methods to examine video and audio-recorded data from young adults experiencing mild forms of psychosis in order to develop a novel algorithm for predicting emergence of persistent psychotic symptoms. “In community health surveys, young adults often report experiencing ‘psychotic experiences,’” said Dr. DeVylder. “However, we currently lack effective methods to differentiate between those whose brief psychotic episodes are transient and those likely to develop schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.” The results of this pilot study will aid in the development of new clinical tools to evaluate the risk of psychosis and related outcomes in young people.

Gauging Effects of Emergency Department Support on PTSD

In their study, Drs. Pahwa and Sullivan aim to use digital tools and AI models to assess trauma survivors and the social support, such as emotional, practical, and social assistance, that they receive in emergency department (ED) settings. Dr. Sullivan noted that approximately 40 million visits to EDs each year involve patients who have been exposed to trauma, many of whom develop PTSD. “Understanding these dynamics and developing a comprehensive approach to measure the effects of social support on PTSD symptomatology is crucial in providing a more holistic view of the trauma recovery process,” said Dr. Pahwa. Findings from this pilot study will be used to identify components for targeted interventions to improve recovery outcomes and overall mental health for trauma survivors.

About NYU Silver School of Social Work

Founded in 1960 and renowned for a strong tradition of excellence in direct social work practice and dedication to social justice, NYU Silver has provided rigorous training to more than 20,000 social work practitioners and leaders in every area of the field, making it the leading destination for students who want to become innovative practitioners at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work practice. The School has four campuses in the heart of New York City, Rockland County, Westchester County, and Shanghai.