Data in Psychiatry: Reflections from the American Psychiatric Association’s Annual Meeting
By Clara Guo, MD MBA
At this year's American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting (APAAM), I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion titled "The Digital Revolution in Psychiatry.” This panel kicked off a special section at APAAM – the Mental Health Innovation Zone, which celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship in psychiatry.
From Pitch to Panel
Just a year ago, Lucid Care was honored to win the APA's national pitch competition. This year, I found myself on stage alongside esteemed colleagues, discussing the evolving role of data in psychiatry. It was inspiring to share ideas with other leaders dedicated to advancing our field across a variety of care settings.
Key Themes
Our panel delved into several critical areas:
Preserving the Clinician-Patient Relationship: We examined how data can enhance, rather than hinder, the therapeutic alliance at the heart of psychiatric care.
Defining Relevant Data: Beyond self-reports and wearables, we discussed the types of data that are immediately applicable versus those that hold potential for future insights.
Application Across Care Settings: From hospitals to digital clinics, we explored how data integration varies and what best practices can be adopted.
Informed Diagnoses Amidst Flawed Frameworks: Recognizing the limitations and biases in current diagnostic systems, we considered how data can inform more accurate assessments.
Cautious Use of Normative Data: We emphasized the importance of applying data norms carefully, especially when dealing with individual patient cases.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: The conversation also touched on the need for robust frameworks to guide the ethical use of data in mental health.
A Call to Action
The panel concluded with a unanimous call for more clinician voices at the table.
We need more collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and industry partners. We need psychiatrists and clinicians to engage in shaping the future of mental health.
I’m so excited to be part of this movement with Lucid, exploring the opportunities, challenges, and logistics. We’re committed to using data thoughtfully to support better care, while staying true to our core as a field: human connection.