Current status, challenges and future prospects in computational psychiatry: a narrative review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Computational psychiatry is an area of scientific knowledge which lies at the intersection of neuroscience,psychiatry, and computer science. It employs mathematical models and computational simulations to shed light onthe complexities inherent to mental disorders.
 AIM: The aim of this narrative review is to offer insight into the current landscape of computational psychiatry, todiscuss its significant challenges, as well as the potential opportunities for the fields growth.
 METHODS: The authors have carried out a narrative review of the scientific literature published on the topic ofcomputational psychiatry. The literature search was performed in the PubMed, eLibrary, PsycINFO, and Google Scholardatabases. A descriptive analysis was used to summarize the published information on the theoretical and practicalaspects of computational psychiatry.
 RESULTS: The article relates the development of the scientific approach in computational psychiatry since the mid-1980s.The data on the practical application of computational psychiatry in modeling psychiatric disorders and explaining themechanisms of how psychopathological symptomatology develops (in schizophrenia, attention-deficit/hyperactivitydisorder, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use disorders) aresummarized. Challenges, limitations, and the prospects of computational psychiatry are discussed.CONCLUSION: The capacity of current computational technologies in psychiatry has reached a stage where its integrationinto psychiatric practice is not just feasible but urgently needed. The hurdles that now need to be addressed are nolonger rooted in technological advancement, but in ethics, education, and understanding.