Google launches its new service to target depression

By Catherine Sturman
Digital health services are growing apace, and Google is not one to shy away from industries or markets which attract growing revenue and the developmen...

Digital health services are growing apace, and Google is not one to shy away from industries or markets which attract growing revenue and the development of new technologies.

One area that has been growing in importance is the mental health sector and the increased demand on services worldwide. Google has tapped into this demand by creating a new screening test to provide answers to those who feel they may be suffering from depression.  

If US users now type the word “depression” onto Google, users are able to click on a ‘Knowledge Panel’ box, providing answers to questions in which a user may have surrounding the condition, how it can be diagnosed and treated accordingly. A questionnaire will then help provide sufficient support to those in need.

Related stories

The private service, where Google will not record or share this information, is named PHQ-9 and is clinically approved. Built in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the technology will also be rolled out as a mobile service and support users in accessing medical support, enabling conversations with medical professionals.

Clinical depression is a condition seen in all ages, and affects one in five American citizens throughout their lives and over 300 million people worldwide. It is frequently a searched for term on Google’s platform, leading technology companies to continually look at ways at providing essential support for the condition.

Image Credits

Share

Featured Articles

A new perspective on autism support with modern technology

Dr Louise Morpeth, CEO at Brain in Hand, discusses new technologies for autism support & creating better access for people with autism to access healthcare

Efficient communications can reduce hospital emergencies

Roni Jamesmeyer, Senior Healthcare Manager at Five9, explains how proactive communications can reduce emergency situations in hospitals & support patients

Promoting equality and diversity to increase economic growth

As businesses report the benefits of equality, we explore global barriers for women & LGBTQ+ individuals & the impact on their wellbeing

Global Population Health Summit took place in New York

Hospitals

MEDSIR research closer to ‘the end of chemotherapy’

Medical Devices & Pharma

5 minutes with Sonia Powar, BGF’s Healthcare Investments

Digital Healthcare