AI Model Predicts Antidepressant Effectiveness, Aiming to Reduce Trial Period
• AI may help predict if antidepressants will be effective for patients, reducing the typical 6-8 week trial period. Researchers developed an algorithm integrating MRI data and clinical information.
• The algorithm focuses on the drug sertraline (Zoloft), one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. About half of patients respond to it.
• Combining multiple data modalities like MRI and clinical parameters improved prediction accuracy compared to using one data type.
• The model predicted treatment outcomes within 1 week with decent accuracy. Blood flow in certain brain regions was predictive.
• Limitations are that external validation is still needed and it only focuses on one drug so far. Expanding to additional medications would improve clinical applicability.