Virtual Doctor: Improving Global Healthcare for People Through Automated Depression Screening

This article investigates the universal problem of depression that is never detected and, if left unattended, poses a leading global health problem among people belonging to all groups. Although depression is known to affect millions worldwide, many cases go unreported, and thus severe and harmful results follow, among which is a higher rate of suicide. The study accounts for the development of an electronic device that is meant to facilitate individuals' self-assessment for depression in the comfort of their own homes, privately, and, therefore, allow for early detection and intervention. The project integrates the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) standardized score employed to quantify the severity of depression as an online portal to return visitors their immediate, unclinched score and feedback regarding potential depressive symptoms. Through the avenue of demystified and accessible first-line assessment, this doctor app attempts to fill the crucial voids in access to mental health care and foster early professional intervention.