A new computer instrument that reveals the mental disorders of children

Researchers at the University of California Medical College have created a new computer health evaluation tool, enabling doctors to quickly and effectively identify anxiety and depression in children. According to the research published during the activities of the annual meeting of anesthetists in the US state of Pennsylvania, the research showed that more than half of the children examined with this instrument suffer from anxiety, and that more than a third of them suffer from depression. The results of the experimental study showed that a large percentage of the spread of these mental disorders in this group of patients. The researchers believe that anxiety and depression can cause psychological complications, especially in children who can experience serious stress before undergoing surgery, which can increase these disorders during surgery. The instrument known as K-CAT may represent a qualitative shift in the field of mental health evaluation in children and adolescents. This tool is designed to provide a quick and accurate evaluation of a wide range of general mental disorders in this age group, facilitating the process of diagnosing cases and leading children to appropriate care. In the study, the researchers tested the computer -based psychological evaluation tool on children at the preparatory stage before surgery. This tool is used on a tablet and allows immediate evaluation of anxiety and depression without needing interviews through a psychiatrist. The study was conducted at 65 children between the ages of 7 and 18 who were ready for optional operations in a major children’s hospital, and the evaluation process lasted two minutes and 13 seconds. The results showed that 57% of evaluated children were diagnosed with anxiety disorders, while 34% were diagnosed with depression. Dr Sarah Nizam El -din, the author of the participation in the study, said that the ability to quickly evaluate these cases enables doctors to provide treatment options to reduce tension before and after surgery, which improves children’s experience during surgery. She has called on more studies to determine how to use this information effectively to improve psychological care for children during the surgery period. Degree questions The instrument is characterized by the rapid completion of the evaluation, as the average time for answering the questions is no more than 7.56 minutes for the child and 5.03 minutes for parents or the care provider. It is also characterized by its high accuracy in the measurement, thanks to the use of adaptive evaluation technology that guarantees the choice of appropriate questions for each individual based on his previous answers. Adaptation evaluation technology depends on a wide range of questions that cover a wide range of skills and knowledge. The test begins with a matter of average problems, and based on the learner’s answer, the next question is determined. If the learner has answered correctly, a more difficult question is presented, and if he answers wrongly, an easier question will be presented. In this way, the test still adapts to the learner level until an accurate image of its actual level is obtained. One of the functions of this tool is its ease, as it can be made via the internet, which makes it available at any time and everywhere. The tool can cover a wide range of general mental disorders in children and adolescents, including depression, anxiety, autism, hyperactivity disorder and attention. In addition, the instrument is available in various languages, including Arabic and English, which expands the extent of its application. According to the scholars; The instrument can help identify cases that require early medical intervention, contributing to improving the quality of children and adolescents. This tool can be used in many environments, including schools, clinics and social institutions. For example, schools can use this tool to identify students who need additional psychological support, and clinics can use it to diagnose mental disorders and lead children to appropriate treatment.