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Psychiatry in the Digital Age: A Blessing or a Curse?

Author

Listed:
  • Carl B. Roth

    (University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Clinic for Adults, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Andreas Papassotiropoulos

    (University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Clinic for Adults, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
    Transfaculty Research Platform Molecular and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Basel, Birmannsgasse 8, CH-4055 Basel, Switzerland
    Division of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Birmannsgasse 8, CH-4055 Basel, Switzerland
    Biozentrum, Life Sciences Training Facility, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Annette B. Brühl

    (University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Clinic for Adults, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Undine E. Lang

    (University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Clinic for Adults, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Christian G. Huber

    (University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Clinic for Adults, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland)

Abstract

Social distancing and the shortage of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of population aging on the healthcare system, as well as the rapid pace of digital innovation are catalyzing the development and implementation of new technologies and digital services in psychiatry. Is this transformation a blessing or a curse for psychiatry? To answer this question, we conducted a literature review covering a broad range of new technologies and eHealth services, including telepsychiatry; computer-, internet-, and app-based cognitive behavioral therapy; virtual reality; digital applied games; a digital medicine system; omics; neuroimaging; machine learning; precision psychiatry; clinical decision support; electronic health records; physician charting; digital language translators; and online mental health resources for patients. We found that eHealth services provide effective, scalable, and cost-efficient options for the treatment of people with limited or no access to mental health care. This review highlights innovative technologies spearheading the way to more effective and safer treatments. We identified artificially intelligent tools that relieve physicians from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on collaborative doctor–patient relationships. The transformation of traditional clinics into digital ones is outlined, and the challenges associated with the successful deployment of digitalization in psychiatry are highlighted.

Suggested Citation

  • Carl B. Roth & Andreas Papassotiropoulos & Annette B. Brühl & Undine E. Lang & Christian G. Huber, 2021. "Psychiatry in the Digital Age: A Blessing or a Curse?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-32, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:16:p:8302-:d:609046
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Angelos I. Stoumpos & Fotis Kitsios & Michael A. Talias, 2023. "Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Technology Acceptance and Its Applications," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-44, February.

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