Artificial intelligence is helping veterans open up about PTSD, say researchers
December 12, 2017
A computerized “virtual human” could soon be helping veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to recent research funded by the Department of Defense.
University of Southern California (USC) researchers conducted a study using a computerized avatar named Ellie. They found that service members and veterans were three times more likely to disclose their PTSD symptoms to Ellie than on the military’s Post Deployment Health Assessment (PDHA).
Researchers believe anonymity is a key factor behind Ellie’s success. They suggest that people are more willing to discuss their symptoms when anonymity is guaranteed. While service members know the PDHA will go on their permanent health record, what they say to the computerized avatar will not.
Study leader Gale Lucas, a USC research psychologist, described Ellie as a “nonjudgmental” and “supportive” way for veterans to discuss their mental health symptoms. “We’re not trying to make virtual-agent therapists. She’s not giving treatment. All she’s doing is having a conversation,” she said. “If they (veterans) are talking to a human, they feel judged. People feel more comfortable opening up to a computer than a human.”
Ellie builds a rapport by encouraging conversation with simple questions like, “What do you like to do to relax?” and “Where are you from originally?” She then asks patients if they experience nightmares or other signs of PTSD while scanning their speech and facial expressions for cues.
Lucas envisions having Ellie available in kiosks across Veterans Affairs hospitals nationwide. However, the technology raises some ethical questions.
For example, if a medical professional learned of a patient’s intent to harm oneself, they may be forced to breach confidentially and intervene. Also, the program needs to be accurate at detecting actual PTSD cases rather than simply increasing the diagnosis of potentially less severe traumatic responses.