Evaluating the Efficacy of AI-Based Interactive Assessments Using Large Language Models for Depression Screening: Development and Usability Study

Abstract

Background The evolution of language models, particularly large language models, has introduced transformative potential for psychological assessment, challenging traditional rating scale methods that have dominated clinical practice for over a century. Objective This study aimed to develop and validate an automated assessment paradigm that integrates natural language processing with conventional measurement tools to assess depressive symptoms, exploring its feasibility as a novel approach in psychological evaluation. Methods A cohort of 115 participants, including 28 (24.3%) individuals diagnosed with depression, completed the Beck Depression Inventory Fast Screen via a custom ChatGPT interface (BDI-FS-GPT) and the Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9). Statistical analyses included the Spearman correlation (PHQ-9 vs BDI-FS-GPT scores), Cohen κ (diagnostic agreement), and area under the curve (AUC) evaluation. Results Spearman analysis revealed a moderate correlation between PHQ-9 and BDI-FS-GPT scores. The Cohen κ indicated moderate diagnostic agreement between the PHQ-9 and the BDI-FS-GPT (κ=0.43; 76.5% agreement), substantial agreement between the BDI-FS-GPT and the clinical diagnosis (κ=0.72; 88.7% agreement), and moderate agreement between the PHQ-9 and the clinical diagnosis (κ=0.55; 71.4% agreement). The BDI-FS-GPT demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.953) at a cutoff of 3, detecting 89.3% of participants with depression with an 11.5% false-positive rate compared to the PHQ-9 (AUC=0.859) at a cutoff of 5 (sensitivity=71.4%; false-positive rate=13.8%). Participants also reported significantly higher satisfaction with the automated assessment compared to the traditional scale (P=.02). Conclusions The automated assessment paradigm framework combines the interactivity and personalization of natural language processing–powered tools with the psychometric rigor of traditional scales, suggesting a preliminary feasibility paradigm for future psychological assessment. Its ability to enhance engagement while maintaining reliability and validity provides encouraging evidence, warranting validation in larger and more diverse studies as large language model technology advances. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1101/2024.07.19.24310543