Oxford University’s Department of Psychiatry is pioneering the use of Petrushka, an advanced AI algorithm designed to personalize depression treatment. Leveraging data from a million individuals, Petrushka aims to prescribe antidepressants tailored to each person’s unique profile. This innovative approach could revolutionize mental health care, making it more precise and effective. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making significant strides across various fields, including generating conversations, writing books, and creating videos. Now, it’s set to make a profound impact on mental health. AI tools like Petrushka are poised to enhance the accuracy of antidepressant prescriptions in the UK, offering hope for more effective treatments.
The team behind Petrushka will initially include 200 participants, expanding to 500 by the end of the study. The AI will consider factors such as gender, age, symptoms, severity, and potential side effects to customize treatment plans. According to researchers, this method empowers patients by involving them in the decision-making process. “In real-world practice, antidepressants are usually prescribed based on the clinician’s knowledge,” explained Professor Andrea Cipriani to the BBC. “There are over 30 antidepressants available, yet general practitioners prescribe just four of them about 90% of the time. This means not all patients receive the most suitable treatment.“
Cipriani emphasizes the need for individualized treatment plans. “We want to treat individuals, not averages. Our goal is to identify the best treatment for each patient sooner, based on what we know works for patients with similar characteristics, rather than wasting time on less effective treatments.” Patients can enroll themselves for the trial, which begins with a brief screening procedure. This trial will be conducted in the UK, Canada, and Brazil, with each participant’s journey lasting 24 weeks. After eight weeks, researchers will evaluate how many participants continue with their allocated treatment, providing insights into the acceptability and tolerance of the medications.
Nyla Haque, the trial manager, highlighted that data will also be collected on participants’ mood, anxiety levels, quality of life, and any side effects throughout the trial. This study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, represents a significant step forward in personalized medicine. In addition to improving mental health treatment, AI is set to transform healthcare training. AI robots will soon assist in training healthcare professionals by simulating patient interactions and medical procedures. Darlington College will incorporate these advanced simulators into its health and social care curriculum. These AI-enabled simulators will help students practice taking blood pressure, administering injections, and inserting catheters. Lecturer Sarah Lloyd described the benefits: “Students will be able to ask them questions, take their pulse, and even perform defibrillation. These simulators can react to a variety of health conditions, from headaches to heart problems.”
Starting in June, these AI patients will be part of the college’s state-of-the-art healthcare training facilities, which include a hospital ward, GP clinic, and nursing home. This hands-on experience is designed to develop students’ critical thinking and decision-making skills. AI’s potential in medicine and healthcare is immense, and its integration into training and treatment protocols signifies a major advancement. Oxford University’s trial of Petrushka is just one example of how AI is poised to make healthcare more personalized and effective, heralding a new era in medical science.