News > Inside Polaris Genomics: Cracking the Code of Mental Illness with AI
14 May 2024
At Polaris Genomics, we’re on a mission to bring clarity and objectivity to mental health diagnosis. We leverage the power of genomics to understand the biological underpinnings of conditions like PTSD, aiming to transform how we diagnose and treat these invisible wounds.
Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Tshaka Cunningham about the exciting potential of AI and big data in mental health. Here’s what he had to say:
Question: Dr. Cunningham, we know you’ve been deeply involved in AI research lately. Can you walk us through how Polaris Genomics uses AI to analyze data for its PTSD test?
Dr. Cunningham: “Absolutely. Since genomic data is incredibly complex, we rely heavily on AI and machine learning to gain insights from it. The human brain simply can’t analyze these sequences as quickly as a computer. AI helps us find patterns much faster, especially when looking for trends across different genetic samples. Ultimately, our goal is to identify unique patterns associated with specific diseases based on an individual’s genetics.”
Question: That makes sense. But what are some of the biggest hurdles you see in using AI and big data for mental health diagnosis in general?
Dr. Cunningham: “A major challenge is that mental health conditions often lack well-defined phenotypes. Unlike diseases like cancer with clear physical markers, mental health conditions are clusters of symptoms that can overlap significantly. Take depression and PTSD, for example. Their symptoms can be very similar, making it difficult to distinguish between them. This lack of clear definitions makes it even harder to find patterns, and that is where AI can significantly help.
Secondly, the brain is a privileged site. We can’t dissect it and analyze its molecular details directly, unlike a tumor sample. So, we have to rely on indirect measures, like bloodwork, which may not perfectly reflect what’s happening in the brain. That’s why, at Polaris Genomics, we design our tests to target markers potentially relevant to brain processes.”
Question: Interesting. Looking ahead, how do you envision AI transforming mental health diagnosis and treatment in the next decade?
Dr. Cunningham: “I believe AI’s speed and scale hold immense potential. It can analyze vast amounts of data to identify new patterns linked to mental health conditions. Once validated through clinical trials, these patterns can be used to develop new diagnostic tools for clinicians. This will allow for earlier and more accurate diagnoses, which is crucial for effective treatment.”
Question: That’s a promising vision. But what about the ethical considerations of using AI in mental healthcare?
Dr. Cunningham: “Anything powered by machines can make mistakes, just like humans. The key is to ensure human oversight remains in the loop. Taking humans entirely out of the equation is a slippery slope that could lead to serious problems. We’ve all seen those scenarios in sci-fi movies! The ethical concern lies in the unsupervised use of any technology, which could have unintended consequences or fall into irresponsible hands.”
Question: Absolutely. So how can we ensure responsible and equitable use of AI in mental health?
Dr. Cunningham: “Collaboration is key. Here at Polaris Genomics, we’re actively seeking partnerships with academia and industry to develop responsible AI tools. We have a wealth of data across various conditions, including PTSD, alcohol use disorder, and traumatic brain injury. By analyzing this data with innovative AI tools, we hope to equip clinicians with powerful new diagnostic tools to improve patient outcomes.”
Dr. Cunningham’s insights paint a compelling picture of how AI can revolutionize mental health diagnosis. By leveraging this powerful technology responsibly, we can unlock a new era of clarity and precision in mental healthcare. Learn more at PolarisGenomics.com.