Using computer vision to improve predictions of suicide risk in adolescents
Leveraging Computer Vision to Augment Suicide Risk Prediction
This study is looking at how computer technology can help spot signs of self-harm in teens aged 16 to 18 by analyzing their images, with the hope of better understanding their risk for suicide and providing support when needed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10475690 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how computer vision technology can be used to analyze images of self-injury in adolescents to better predict suicide risk. By automating the assessment of physical signs of self-harm, the study aims to reduce reliance on self-reported data, which can be subjective. The project will recruit adolescents aged 16 to 18 from social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, focusing on those with a history of self-injury. The goal is to identify visual indicators of self-injury severity that could help in predicting future suicide attempts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 16 to 18 who have a history of self-injury.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of self-injury or are outside the age range of 16 to 18 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and objective assessments of suicide risk in adolescents, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have performed: While the application of computer vision in medical imaging is growing, this specific approach to suicide risk prediction using visual indicators of self-injury is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burke, Taylor a — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Burke, Taylor a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.