PhD student Dushanthi Manamalage discusses AI and mental health research on Radio New Zealand
More of us are using AI are therapists - should we be?
PhD researcher Dushanthi Manamalage was interviewed live on RNZ Afternoons, where she discussed her research on using artificial intelligence (AI) and speech analysis to support the early identification of depression.
During the interview, Dushanthi explained how changes in speech and language patterns may provide valuable clues about a person's mental wellbeing. Her research explores how AI can analyse these patterns to support early mental health screening and assist healthcare professionals in identifying people who may benefit from further assessment.
A key message throughout the interview was that the technology is not designed to diagnose depression or replace clinicians. Instead, it aims to improve access to early screening and provide an additional source of information to support clinical decision-making.
The discussion also covered the growing demand for mental health services, the importance of privacy and trustworthy AI, and the potential for AI to complement—not replace—human expertise in healthcare.
The interview highlighted the University's ongoing research into responsible AI and its potential to improve healthcare outcomes while maintaining a strong focus on ethics, privacy and patient wellbeing.
The full interview can be listened to on the RNZ website: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2019043629/more-of-us-are-using-ai-are-therapists-should-we-be