Project Report
Project Report
A PROJECT REPORT
Submitted by
DEEPANSHU (21BCS4751)
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN
Chandigarh University
November 2024
BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
Certified that this project report “AI-Powered Depression Detection with Facial
Analysis” is the bonafide work of “Aman Saundik(21BCS4793), Rohitansh Pathania
(21BCS4771), Rahul Chauhan (21BCS4781), Arnav Mehta (21BCS4800),
Deepanshu (21BCS4751)’’, who carried out the projectwork under my/our
supervision.
SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………6
1.4. Timeline………………………………………………………………………………………12
4.4. Univariate Analysis for Numerical Data and Categorical Data ……………………………...35
APPENDIX ………………………………………………………………………………………..48
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………………....64
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig 1. Design Flow …………………………………………………………………………………31
LIST OF TABLES
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ABSTRACT
The project, "ai-powered depression detection with facial analysis," aims to create a super-smart
system that uses artificial intelligence to make depression detection easier and more precise. Taking
care of our mental health is critical, and detecting depression early on can make a significant
difference in how we feel and recover. Our project aims to create a platform that analyzes facial
expressions and speech patterns to help people better understand their mental health. With advanced
technologies such as deepface for facial recognition and opencv for image processing, the system can
accurately identify the emotional states associated with depressive disorders. Matplotlib, which
provides clear and visually appealing representations of the results, will help make the analysis easier
to understand. The system is designed to not only detect depression symptoms, but also to identify
the specific type, allowing it to provide tailored recommendations to help you feel better. The analysis
enables the platform to recommend the best mental health resources, such as therapy, counseling, or
self-help materials, for each individual's unique requirements. This approach combines awareness
and practical solutions to provide users with the knowledge and resources they need to take control
of their mental health and seek appropriate treatment. This project aims to make a significant
contribution to the early detection and management of depression by combining advanced artificial
intelligence with a strong emphasis on user experience, potentially reducing the burden on individuals
and society.
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CHAPTER 1.
INTRODUCTION
Depression is a common mental health condition that negatively impacts people's emotions, bodies,
and relationships. Depression is a common problem that affects millions of people around the world,
but it is often overlooked and untreated due to factors such as stigma, a lack of knowledge, and limited
access to mental health services. If not treated, depression can have a negative impact on a person's
life, making it difficult for them to do things, feel good, and even consider self-harm. We need to
come up with new ideas and strategies to detect problems early on and help people get the help they
need. We used to ask people a series of questions to see if they were sad or depressed. However, it
took a long time, required a lot of resources, and not everyone could receive help because some areas
did not have enough doctors or hospitals.
To address these concerns, researchers are investigating the potentially revolutionary use of artificial
intelligence (AI) in mental health evaluations. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to
transform mental health assessments by streamlining, speeding up, and increasing accuracy. Our
project, "ai-powered depression detection with facial analysis," aims to develop a system that uses
artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze people's speech patterns and facial expressions in order to
provide insights into their mental health. By analyzing data and looking for hidden indicators that
could point to someone being depressed, the system uses cutting edge technology to identify cases of
depression early on and offer support.
The system will leverage various high-end technologies, such as matplotlib for graphical rendering,
opencv for image processing, and deepface for facial recognition. Deepface, an advanced facial
recognition technology, will analyze users' facial expressions to identify depressive symptoms.
Opencv, an amazing tool that makes facial data easier to use and comprehend, will handle real-time
facial data analysis. The data will be displayed using visually appealing and simple graphs and charts
created with Matplotlib. By combining these technologies, the system will be able to provide us with
accurate and trustworthy information about our mental health.
Our primary goal is to diagnose the type of depression a person is experiencing and to determine
whether or not they are actually depressed. Understanding the specific type of depression a user is
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experiencing allows the system to make more tailored recommendations for where to seek support
and care. Reading self-help books, seeing a therapist, or experimenting with different methods to
improve your mood are all possible recommendations. We provide each person with the tools and
confidence they need to take control of their mental health by tailoring the support to their specific
requirements.
Overall, the "AI-powered depression detection with facial analysis" project represents a significant
advancement in mental health assessment. Through the integration of cutting-edge artificial
intelligence technologies and a focus on user experience, this project aims to improve mental health
evaluations' efficacy and accessibility. By facilitating early identification and intervention, it has the
potential to mitigate the effects of depression on individuals and society, ultimately improving the
well-being of millions of people worldwide.
Depression is a serious and widespread mental health issue that affects people of all ages, genders,
and socioeconomic status. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 300 million
people worldwide suffer from depression, making it one of the leading causes of disability. Despite
the fact that depression is very common, it is frequently misdiagnosed and treated, which can have
disastrous consequences such as reduced daily functioning, decreased productivity, and an increased
risk of suicide. This problem is exacerbated by the stigma attached to mental health issues, as well as
a scarcity of readily available, reasonably priced mental health services, leaving many people without
critical support.
The primary goal of this project is to create an easily accessible and user-friendly system for early
depression detection. Traditional diagnostic methods, which frequently rely on clinical interviews
and self-report questionnaires, are not always practical for widespread implementation due to
financial, time, and availability constraints for licensed mental health professionals. This leaves a
significant gap in the delivery of mental health services, particularly in underserved areas where
access to mental health professionals is restricted. The subjective nature of self-reporting complicates
the treatment process further, potentially leading to incorrect diagnoses.
The demand for mental health services is growing, making this project critical, especially given the
numerous global issues we are currently dealing with, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic
difficulties, and feelings of isolation. These issues have resulted in an increase in mental health
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problems, particularly depression, so the development of new treatments that can benefit a large
number of people is critical. Artificial intelligence in mental health assessments has the potential to
be extremely beneficial in addressing these issues because it provides a precise, scalable, and cost-
effective method of detecting depression.
By analyzing facial expressions and recognizing speech patterns, this project employs artificial
intelligence to detect emotional signals that would otherwise go undetected in traditional assessments.
This method not only improves depression detection accuracy, but it also makes the system accessible
to a large number of people, regardless of where they live or how easily they can access healthcare.
The primary goal is to give people the tools they need to understand and manage their mental health,
which could help to reduce the global impact of depression while improving overall well-being.
Depression is a common mental health disorder with serious consequences for both individuals and
society. Despite its widespread prevalence, a number of critical issues impede effective
management and treatment:
3. Stigma and Misconceptions: The stigma surrounding mental health conditions like sadness
may prevent some people from getting the care they need. This includes depression. If social
beliefs reduce mental health disorders as a personal weakness or vulnerability, people may be
discouraged from seeking help or from taking part in diagnostic testing. This stigma contributes
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to a lack of understanding and awareness about depression, which feeds the cycle of
underdiagnosis and insufficient care.
4. Inaccuracy of Traditional Diagnostic Methods: Despite being biased and subjective, clinical
evaluations and self-reporting are the cornerstones of today's depression diagnostic procedures.
A person's mental health and subtle changes in symptoms over time may not always be fully
captured by clinical evaluations and self-reported symptoms. This could lead to an inaccurate
diagnosis and inappropriate treatment plans.
5. Limited Personalization in Treatment: Even after depression has been diagnosed, treatment
plans may not be tailored to each patient's specific needs. When it comes to interventions that
are specifically designed to address the symptoms and circumstances of each individual,
traditional methods typically offer broad recommendations. It is possible that this
impersonalization will make recovery harder and treatment less successful.
It will need creative solutions to solve these issues if depression detection is to become more accurate
and useful. The creation of a system driven by AI for speech recognition and facial analysis is one
possible solution to these problems. To close the gap between the need for early diagnosis and the
supply of high-quality mental health treatment, this project attempts to develop a more precise,
scalable, and user-friendly approach for identifying depression.
To be completed within the three months given, the main activities for the project "AI-Powered
Depression Detection with Facial Analysis" need to be determined and organized. These activities
are divided among the project's main chapters to ensure that every detail is addressed methodically
and within the allocated time.
Chapter 1: Introduction
• Examine and define the problem that the project is attempting to solve, highlighting the
significance of using artificial intelligence (AI) and facial analysis to identify sadness.
• Identify the needs of the client and the present issues related to their mental health, particularly
the challenges associated with early detection of depression.
• Clearly state why this system was developed, as well as the objectives, scope, and importance
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of the project.
• Compile the most recent findings from a thorough assessment of the literature on face
analysis, speech recognition, and AI-based depression detection systems.
• Enumerate and elucidate the most significant scientific studies, technological developments,
and project-related methodologies.
• Create a literature table that, by arranging and contrasting the data from various sources,
demonstrates the gaps in the existing research that the project seeks to close.
• Based on the results of the literature review and the goals of the project, assess and choose the
suitable system features and specifications.
• Identify the design constraints that could affect the project, such as technical limitations,
ethical issues, and user requirements.
• Review the features that have been selected, and consider the limitations when completing
the design.
• Establish a design flow that outlines the methodical process of developing a system,
including the integration of front-end and back-end technology.
• From the possibilities you looked at, select the best design, making sure it meets the goals
and constraints of the project.
• Put into practice and assess the AI models and system components, like facial recognition,
speech recognition, and algorithms for depression identification.
• Determine the accuracy and efficiency of the implemented system by analyzing the data.
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• In the documentation, describe the roles and ways in which the machine learning algorithms
and libraries used in the project improve the system's performance.
• Handle outliers and generate correlation matrices as necessary when doing univariate,
bivariate, and multivariate analyses of the gathered data.
• Generate and analyze KNN graphs to evaluate the system’s prediction capabilities.
• Provide a mathematical analysis of the results, including calculations that support the
evaluation of the system’s performance.
• Provide an overview of the project's overall results and conclusions, evaluating the system's
performance in achieving its goals.
• Note any restrictions or difficulties that arose during the project, and make suggestions for
improvements or additional work in the future.
• Keep track of any prospective follow-ups or lines of inquiry that might expand on the project's
conclusions.
• These tasks are designed to ensure that each phase of the project is thoroughly addressed,
leading to a comprehensive and effective system for AI-powered depression detection through
facial analysis.
1.4 Timeline
The 3-month timeframe for finishing the project "AI-Powered Depression Detection with Facial
Analysis" is set in stone. According to the main chapters of the project, the timeline is split into three
main sections.
The first four weeks will be spent conducting a thorough review of the literature. This requires
gathering and summarizing the most recent studies on facial analysis, AI, and depression detection.
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A literature table showcasing the results will be created, along with an analysis of significant studies
and a list of any gaps in the field.
The evaluation and selection of the system's features and specifications in light of the literature review
will take place throughout weeks five through eight. Restrictions related to technology and other
aspects of design shall be observed and documented. After selecting the best design, a design flow
outlining the steps involved in system development will be created. An implementation plan that is
created will specify the technologies, tools, and procedures that will be used.
Testing the AI models and system components will take place between weeks nine through twelve of
the last phase. A thorough analysis of the results will be conducted, including performance evaluation
and data analysis. The project will come to an end with the preparation and submission of the final
report, which will guarantee that all findings and results are accurately documented and presented.
Each phase of the project is logically built upon the previous one, and this timeline ensures that it is
completed successfully within the three months allocated.
The paper titled **"A Low-Complexity Combined Encoder-LSTM-Attention Networks for EEG-
based Depression Detection"** by Noor Faris Ali, Nabil Albastaki, Abdelkader Nasreddine
Belkacem, Ibrahim M. Elfadel, and Mohamed Atef presents a novel deep learning model designed
for the detection of depression using EEG signals. The proposed model integrates an encoder for
feature extraction, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to capture temporal dependencies,
and an attention mechanism to selectively focus on the most relevant parts of the EEG data. This
combined architecture aims to provide an effective yet computationally efficient solution for
depression detection, making it suitable for real-time applications where processing power and
resources are limited. The authors highlight that while traditional methods for EEG-based depression
detection often require complex preprocessing and feature engineering, their approach minimizes
these requirements by employing a deep learning model that directly learns from the raw EEG data.
The inclusion of an attention mechanism further enhances the model's performance by enabling it to
dynamically weigh different parts of the input sequence, thereby improving accuracy and
interpretability. The model's low complexity is particularly beneficial in settings with constrained
computational resources, such as mobile health applications or portable EEG devices. Experimental
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results presented in the paper demonstrate that the proposed model achieves competitive accuracy
rates compared to state-of-the-art methods while maintaining a lower computational footprint.
Overall, the paper contributes to the field by providing a promising approach that balances the trade-
off between accuracy and computational efficiency in EEG-based depression detection, and it opens
up avenues for further research into the development of more accessible and practical mental health
assessment tools using EEG signals.
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Chapter 2
Literature Review
1. Early 2000s: Initial studies on depression detection largely focused on traditional methods such
as psychological assessments and clinical interviews. Early research explored the use of
physiological signals, like heart rate variability and EEG, to understand their potential in
diagnosing depression.
2. 2010-2015: The advent of machine learning and computational methods introduced new
approaches for depression detection. Research began exploring the use of various biomarkers,
including voice and facial expressions, for automated detection. Studies highlighted the potential
of combining multiple data sources to improve accuracy.
3. 2016-2018: Significant advancements were made in integrating deep learning techniques with
depression detection. Researchers explored convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and
recurrent neural networks (RNNs) to analyze facial expressions and speech patterns. The focus
shifted towards developing more sophisticated models to enhance detection accuracy and real-
time processing capabilities.
4. 2019-2021: The rise of wearable technology and remote sensing led to new approaches in
monitoring depression. Studies investigated the use of smart devices and sensors to collect data
on physiological and behavioral indicators of depression. Research also emphasized the
importance of context-aware systems and personalized models.
5. 2022-2024: Recent research has introduced innovative methods such as hybrid learning models,
attention mechanisms, and transformer-based approaches. These studies leverage advanced
machine learning techniques to improve detection accuracy and provide real-time analysis.
There is also a growing focus on integrating social media data and multi-modal inputs for
comprehensive depression detection.
In the realm of depression detection, several methodologies have emerged, each contributing unique
strengths to the identification and management of this mental health condition. Traditional approaches
primarily involve clinical assessments, where depression is diagnosed through structured interviews
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and self-report questionnaires like the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Patient
Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). These methods remain foundational, providing valuable insights
based on patient-reported symptoms and professional evaluation.
With advancements in technology, physiological monitoring has become a significant area of focus.
Techniques such as heart rate variability (HRV) and electroencephalography (EEG) are utilized to
detect physiological markers associated with depression. HRV examines fluctuations in heartbeats,
which can indicate stress or depressive states, while EEG captures brain wave patterns that may signal
depression.
The integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized depression
detection. Facial expression analysis and voice analysis are prominent examples where convolutional
neural networks (CNNs) and other deep learning algorithms are employed. These models analyze
facial expressions and vocal features to identify depression-related cues. Multimodal models enhance
this approach by combining data from various sources, such as physiological signals and facial
expressions, to improve detection accuracy.
Remote sensing technologies have also introduced innovative solutions. Wearable devices and
smartphones monitor physical activity, sleep patterns, and other physiological metrics. Remote
photoplethysmography (rPPG) uses facial video to assess emotional states, while social media
analysis applies natural language processing (NLP) to evaluate linguistic patterns related to
depression.
Each of these solutions represents a step forward in understanding and detecting depression,
highlighting the diverse approaches available for addressing this challenging mental health issue.
Bibliometric analysis provides a quantitative approach to assessing the impact and development of
research in a particular field. For depression detection, a bibliometric analysis can reveal trends,
influential authors, key publications, and evolving research topics.
1. Research Trends: Over the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in research
related to depression detection, driven by advancements in technology and machine learning. Early
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studies predominantly focused on traditional clinical methods, while recent research has shifted
towards integrating AI and wearable technologies. This shift reflects a growing interest in real-time,
non-invasive detection methods and the application of advanced computational techniques.
2. Key Authors and Publications: Prominent researchers in this field include those who have
contributed to foundational studies and innovative methods. Analysis of citation patterns helps
identify leading authors and influential papers. For instance, papers on machine learning applications
for depression detection often cite seminal works on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and
recurrent neural networks (RNNs), indicating their foundational role in the field.
3. Impact Factors and Journals: High-impact journals such as "IEEE Transactions on Biomedical
Engineering," "Journal of Affective Disorders," and "Artificial Intelligence Review" frequently
publish significant research on depression detection. The impact factor of these journals reflects the
relevance and quality of the research being published, providing insights into the most influential
contributions.
4. Emerging Topics: Recent bibliometric analyses often highlight emerging areas within depression
research, such as the integration of social media data, remote sensing technologies, and advanced AI
models like transformers and attention mechanisms. These emerging topics indicate the field’s
progression towards more sophisticated and comprehensive detection methods.
5. Geographic Distribution: Research output can vary by region, with significant contributions from
institutions in North America, Europe, and Asia. This geographic distribution may influence the
development of diverse approaches to depression detection based on local needs and technological
capabilities.
Michelle Renee Morales & Rivka Levitan (2016) in "Speech vs. Text: A Comparative Analysis of
Features for Depression Detection Systems" have analyzed the use of speech and text features in
depression detection. The authors determined that the association of speech prosody and text-based
features are better at distinguishing the depression levels than one modality alone. This then boosted
the performance of systems in different linguistic effects of depression 【1】.
Mingyue Niu, Jianhua Tao, Bin Liu (2019) approached the novelty of facial kinetics in videos. They
introduced a Local Second-Order Gradient Cross Pattern technique that investigates the subtle
changes in facial textures caused by high-order gradients. By applying LSOGCP to the AVEC dataset,
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they found that the severity of depression could be estimated with greater accuracy using three
orthogonal planes by mapping facial textures rather than with the previous methods 【2】.
Likewise, Sana A. Nasser et al (2020) have summarized various systems pertaining to depression
detection through facial expressions, and they stated that the trend towards automatic approaches is
now on rise. While emphasizing the incorporation of AUs and body posture, the same study further
declared SVM classifiers work very effectively for the purpose of complex facial data analysis
concerning depression diagnosis 【3】.
Jian Shen, Xiaowei Zhang, and Bin Hu (2020) detected depression by using EEG signals; they solved
the problems of high redundancy and computational complexity in multichannel EEG recordings. An
optimal approach for selecting channels, based on a modification to Kernel-Target Alignment
(mKTA), that will simplify data complexity without loss of accuracy, is reported. The results are
compared to two EEG datasets; classification performance improved with the proposed method,
indicating promise for real-world clinical applications in mental health 【4】.
Gábor Kiss et al. (2018) studied speech patterns through the Ratio of Transient (RoT) parts of speech
for verification of depression and Parkinson's disease patients. In this, the researchers showed that the
involved patients utter speech at a slower pace, and their articulation is less efficient with an accuracy
rate of 81% using an SVM classifier, hence proposing the diagnostic properties of speech analysis in
mental health disorders【5】.
Sri Harsha Dumpala et al. proposed a new method to predict depression severity from acoustic
features and embeddings of unconstrained speech. Their multi-task CNN outperformed traditional
models by leveraging shared learning across tasks. It was demonstrated in the paper that combining
the sentiment-emotion embeddings with depression-specific embeddings improves the prediction
accuracy and indicates the need for capturing both overall emotional states and depression cues in
speech analysis【6】.
Akshada Mulay et al. (2020) applied video input with facial images for depression detection by
evaluating facial expressions through CNNs besides responses from BDI-II. The model classified the
users according to four levels, including minimal, moderate, major, and total severance of depression,
with an accuracy rate of 66.45%. It highlighted how different data types can be combined to use them
for mental health evaluation, such as video input and facial images in this context【7】.
Zeyu Pan et al. (2019) integrated reaction time (RT) and eye movement (EM) data, thus overcoming
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the traditional limitations of interviews. They found that depressed people have bias in negative
stimulus that can be quantified with RT and EM. The system, which is based on SVM classification,
obtained over 86% accuracy, and attention bias analysis was valuable for the detection of depression
【8】.
Sangeeta R. Kamite; V. B. Kamble (2020) tested the possibility of detecting depression from the data
gathered from Twitter via natural language processing. The argument they deduce is that it is possible
to track mental health trends using social media to reflect the level of emphasis put in mental health
researchers on digitalized media in research work【9】.
At last, Alghifari et al. found the effect of speech segment length for depression detection, with the
conclusion of longer speech segments capturing more relevant patterns that could be linked to
depression. The findings reflected that long speech segments allow computer-aided detection
methods to be more efficient【10】.
Local Second-Order
Mingyue Gradient Cross Mapping facial textures with
Facial Kinetics in
Niu; Jianhua 2019 Pattern (LSOGCP) on LSOGCP yields better
Depression Detection
Tao; Bin Liu facial kinetics in depression severity estimation.
videos
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Study Authors Year Methodology Key Findings
Combining sentiment-emotion
Acoustic Features Sri Harsha
Multi-task CNN for and depression-specific
and Embeddings in Dumpala et 2019
unconstrained speech embeddings improves
Depression Detection al.
prediction accuracy.
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Study Authors Year Methodology Key Findings
Depression remains a significant global mental health issue, impacting millions with symptoms such
as persistent sadness, loss of interest, and impaired daily functioning. Traditional methods for
diagnosing depression, including clinical interviews and standardized questionnaires like the
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), face
several limitations. These methods can be subjective, time-consuming, and require professional
expertise, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Recent advancements in technology, such as physiological monitoring, voice and facial expression
analysis, and wearable devices, offer new possibilities for depression detection. However, these
approaches also encounter significant challenges. Physiological monitoring methods, like heart rate
variability (HRV) and electroencephalography (EEG), may suffer from issues related to data accuracy
and the need for specialized equipment. Voice analysis techniques can be affected by background
noise and individual variability in speech patterns. Facial expression analysis, while promising, may
struggle with varying lighting conditions and differences in individual facial expressions.
To address these limitations, a comprehensive strategy is required. First, integrating multiple data
sources—such as physiological signals, facial expressions, and vocal features—can provide a more
robust and accurate detection system. Advanced machine learning models, including convolutional
neural networks (CNNs) and transformer-based models, can enhance the accuracy and real-time
processing of these data. Second, ensuring user privacy and data security is crucial; implementing
encryption and anonymization techniques can safeguard sensitive information. Additionally,
developing adaptive algorithms that can handle diverse conditions and individual differences will
improve the system's versatility and reliability.
By addressing these challenges with a multi-faceted approach, the goal is to create an effective, user-
friendly depression detection system that supports early intervention and improves mental health
outcomes.
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2.7 Goals/Objectives
The primary goal of this project is to develop an advanced, user-friendly system for detecting
depression using a combination of physiological data, facial expressions, and vocal features. To
achieve this goal, several specific objectives have been outlined:
1. Develop a Comprehensive Detection System: Create a system that integrates multiple data
sources—such as physiological signals, facial expressions, and vocal features—to provide a holistic
assessment of depression. The system should leverage advanced machine learning models to enhance
the accuracy and reliability of depression detection.
3. Ensure User Privacy and Data Security: Implement robust security measures to protect user
data, including encryption and anonymization techniques. Ensuring privacy is crucial for user trust
and compliance with data protection regulations.
4. Enhance Adaptability and Usability: Design the system to be adaptable to different environments
and individual differences. The system should function effectively across various lighting conditions,
background noises, and user characteristics. Additionally, the interface should be user-friendly to
facilitate ease of use and engagement.
5. Validate and Optimize the System: Conduct thorough validation and testing of the system using
real-world data to evaluate its performance and accuracy. Based on the results, refine and optimize
the system to address any identified issues and improve its overall effectiveness.
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Chapter 3
DESIGN FLOW/PROCESS
The design process for the AI-powered depression detection system involves careful evaluation and
selection of essential specifications and features that enhance system functionality, accuracy, and user
experience. This phase begins with a detailed analysis of the problem space, including the need for
accurate depression detection through non-invasive methods like facial and vocal analysis. Based on
this understanding, the following core specifications and features were identified:
1. Multimodal Data Input: To achieve more reliable and comprehensive depression detection, the
system must integrate multiple data sources, including facial expressions, voice recordings, and
physiological signals (such as heart rate or PPG). This combination allows the system to cross-
validate depression markers across different modalities, thus improving accuracy.
2. Real-Time Processing and Responsiveness: Given the real-time nature of the application, the
system must be designed to process data quickly, particularly when dealing with facial video and
voice data. The specifications include selecting algorithms that balance performance and
computational complexity, such as CNNs for facial recognition and LSTMs for voice analysis.
3. User-Friendly Interface: Since the primary users are non-technical individuals seeking self-
assessment, a simple and intuitive interface is essential. Key features include smooth data input (such
as voice recordings or camera footage), easy navigation, and clear visual feedback. The system should
prioritize user accessibility and minimal setup requirements.
4. Data Security and Privacy: Ensuring the security and confidentiality of user data is a critical
specification, especially given the sensitive nature of health-related information. The design must
include encryption protocols, data anonymization, and compliance with GDPR or other relevant
regulations to safeguard user data during both transmission and storage.
5. Scalability and Adaptability: The system should be adaptable for different platforms, whether on
mobile, desktop, or cloud-based systems. Scalability is a crucial factor in ensuring the system can
handle larger volumes of data as it evolves, potentially offering services to broader user bases or
clinical settings.
6. Machine Learning Algorithm Selection: For both facial expression analysis and voice
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processing, deep learning models are selected. CNNs, with their proven effectiveness in image
processing, are chosen for analyzing facial features. For voice-based detection, RNNs or transformers
are preferred to capture the temporal dynamics in speech data. Pre-trained models like DeepFace for
facial recognition will be utilized, while fine-tuning will be performed on voice data to match
depression markers.
Design constraints are the limiting factors that influence the development of the AI-powered
depression detection system. These constraints arise from various sources, such as technical
limitations, user requirements, regulatory compliance, and resource availability. Identifying these
constraints early in the design process is crucial to ensure realistic expectations and effective
solutions. The key design constraints include:
1. Computational Resources: The system relies heavily on deep learning models, which require
substantial computational power for training and real-time processing. Limited hardware resources,
such as lower-end devices, may restrict the use of high-complexity models, necessitating optimized
models or cloud-based solutions.
2. Data Availability and Quality: High-quality labeled datasets are essential for training accurate
machine learning models, particularly for depression detection from facial expressions and voice
analysis. However, the availability of such datasets is limited, and the data that does exist may be
biased or incomplete. This limits the model’s ability to generalize across different populations and
scenarios.
4. Privacy and Ethical Considerations: Due to the sensitive nature of the data (e.g., facial images,
voice recordings), stringent privacy protections must be implemented, adding complexity to the
design. Encryption, data anonymization, and compliance with privacy regulations such as GDPR are
mandatory, limiting some design choices.
5. User Accessibility: The system should cater to a wide range of users, including those with little to
no technical knowledge. Thus, the design must remain simple and intuitive without compromising on
the system’s diagnostic capabilities. This constraint impacts how features are integrated and presented
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to users.
6. Time Limitation: With only three months allocated for the project's completion, time becomes a
significant constraint. This necessitates careful prioritization of features and the selection of pre-built
models and frameworks to accelerate development.
After identifying the design constraints, the next step involves analyzing the required features in
relation to these constraints and finalizing a feasible feature set. The analysis ensures that the selected
features are practical, given the limitations, and that they offer the maximum value to the system.
1. Multimodal Data Integration: Considering the constraints of computational resources and time,
the system’s reliance on multimodal data (facial expressions and voice) must be balanced. While
using both inputs can improve accuracy, real-time performance constraints mean lightweight models
will be prioritized, potentially reducing the number of parameters in facial and voice models. Existing
pre-trained models like DeepFace and pretrained audio classifiers will be fine-tuned, saving time on
model training.
2. Simplified Machine Learning Models: Due to the constraint of limited computational power on
some user devices, complex, resource-heavy models may not be suitable for real-time applications.
Instead, efficient model architectures, such as MobileNets for facial recognition and LSTMs for voice
analysis, will be employed. These models are known for their relatively low computational footprint
while maintaining reasonable accuracy.
3. User Interface Design: Given the constraint on user accessibility, the interface needs to be highly
user-friendly and easy to navigate, ensuring that users can input data (e.g., voice recording, facial
video) without technical difficulties. To meet privacy constraints, features like data upload and
analysis will be encrypted, and any storage of sensitive information will be minimized or avoided
altogether.
4. Privacy and Data Security Features: Given the privacy and ethical constraints, the system will
incorporate robust encryption methods for transmitting data and secure local storage solutions for any
user data that must be temporarily stored. Additionally, data anonymization techniques will be
employed to ensure that personal identification is not compromised.
5. Scaled-Down Real-Time Processing: Given the constraint of real-time performance, the real-time
aspect will be designed for facial video analysis, with the potential to handle audio processing in near-
25
real-time or post-processing formats. Models and algorithms that can offer quick inferencing, such as
MobileNet-based architectures for facial recognition and lightweight RNNs for voice analysis, will
be prioritized.
Design selection for the depression detection model involves a thorough evaluation of various
modeling approaches, algorithms, and architectures. This selection process ensures the design aligns
with the project’s objectives of improving accuracy, scalability, and user experience. The design is
chosen based on domain requirements, technical feasibility, and empirical validation of different
approaches.
I. Algorithm Selection:
Choosing the right algorithm is crucial for optimizing performance. The depression detection model
considers several algorithms:
• Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN): Ideal for extracting facial features from video data.
CNNs can capture subtle changes in expressions, making them effective for depression
26
detection.
• Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) and LSTM: Best suited for temporal data such as voice
recordings, as they can model dependencies across time, capturing speech patterns that may
indicate depression.
• Support Vector Machines (SVM): Offers a robust solution for classification tasks with clear
boundaries between classes, ensuring precise identification of depression indicators from both
facial and voice features.
Once the algorithms are selected, the model architecture is designed. For CNNs, the number of layers,
filters, and activation functions are configured to best capture facial cues. For LSTM networks, the
number of layers and units is optimized to model voice characteristics. Regularization techniques like
dropout are applied to prevent overfitting and improve generalization.
For depression detection, features such as facial expressions and voice signals are crucial. Advanced
feature extraction methods like pre-trained embeddings and spectral analysis are utilized to capture
rich, context-aware representations of facial emotions and speech characteristics.
• AUC-ROC and AUC-PR for handling imbalanced datasets, particularly when depression
cases are underrepresented.
K-fold cross-validation ensures that the model’s performance generalizes across different data splits.
Hyperparameters such as learning rate, batch size, and number of layers are optimized using grid
search or random search to find the best configuration for depression detection.
The design also prioritizes interpretability, particularly in cases of clinical use. Techniques like SHAP
values and saliency maps are implemented to explain the model’s predictions, helping users
27
understand why certain facial expressions or voice patterns were flagged as indicators of depression.
The implementation plan for developing the depression detection model involves a structured
methodology that includes data collection, preprocessing, feature extraction, model development,
evaluation, and deployment. Each phase is designed to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and ethical
standards of the model, while enhancing its usability in real-world scenarios.
I. Data Collection:
The first phase involves collecting datasets that contain facial expressions, speech patterns, and other
behavioral data related to depression. These datasets can be sourced from publicly available
repositories such as Kaggle, academic research datasets, and mental health institutions. The dataset
should cover a range of demographics to ensure a diverse and comprehensive model.
Once the data is collected, preprocessing steps are applied to clean and prepare it for analysis. This
includes handling missing data, normalizing facial landmarks, and extracting relevant audio features
from speech data. For facial recognition, techniques such as face alignment, resizing, and feature
scaling are used. For audio data, noise reduction and feature extraction (such as Mel-frequency
cepstral coefficients) are essential to improve accuracy.
In this phase, feature engineering techniques are employed to transform raw data into meaningful
input for the model. For facial data, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) extract key features
related to emotions, such as micro-expressions. For speech data, temporal and spectral features are
extracted using deep learning models like LSTM networks to capture voice patterns indicative of
depression.
Various machine learning models such as CNNs for facial recognition and LSTMs for speech analysis
are developed and fine-tuned using cross-validation. Techniques like transfer learning from pre-
trained models (e.g., VGG-Face for facial data) are applied to improve the model's performance with
limited training data. Ensemble models may also be explored to combine the strengths of both facial
and speech-based models.
28
V. Evaluation and Validation:
The model's performance is evaluated using metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and
AUC-ROC. Cross-validation ensures robustness, and external validation is conducted with unseen
datasets to assess generalizability. Special attention is paid to reducing false negatives, as identifying
depression cases correctly is critical in mental health scenarios.
Hyperparameter tuning methods such as grid search and random search are employed to refine model
performance. Regularization techniques such as dropout are applied to prevent overfitting. Further,
the model’s architecture is optimized based on feedback from domain experts to ensure
interpretability and alignment with clinical needs.
Once the final model is validated, it is deployed into real-time environments. This includes integrating
the model with mobile applications or web platforms where users can interact with the system for
self-assessment. APIs are developed for seamless communication between the model and user-facing
applications. Security and privacy mechanisms are incorporated to protect sensitive user data.
Post-deployment, the model is continuously monitored for performance using real-time feedback and
new data inputs. Model drift is detected, and updates are made as necessary to maintain performance.
Regular feedback from users and clinicians helps guide improvements and adjustments to the model
over time.
Comprehensive documentation covering the entire implementation process, including data sources,
preprocessing techniques, feature extraction methods, model training details, and deployment
strategies, is prepared. This ensures transparency, reproducibility, and compliance with ethical
standards. The final findings are documented for publication to inform the scientific community.
29
CHAPTER 4.
RESULTS ANALYSIS AND VALIDATION
4.1 Result Analysis :
The result analysis for the depression detection model based on facial analysis and speech patterns
yielded promising outcomes, demonstrating high accuracy and robustness across various evaluation
metrics. The model was tested on a diverse dataset of individuals exhibiting different levels of
depression, ensuring a broad spectrum of emotional and behavioral patterns.
Dataset Description:
The dataset used for training and evaluation comprises both facial expression and speech data from
participants labeled with varying degrees of depression (mild, moderate, severe) and a control group
without signs of depression. Each sample includes facial landmarks, micro-expressions, audio
features, and demographic data (age, gender) to enrich the model’s input.
Model Performance: The model’s performance was evaluated using several key metrics to provide
a comprehensive understanding of its effectiveness. These include accuracy, precision, recall, F1-
score, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC).
• Accuracy: The model achieved an overall accuracy of 87%, indicating a high rate of correct
classifications for individuals with and without depression.
• Precision: The model’s precision, or its ability to avoid false positives (incorrectly classifying
non-depressed individuals as depressed), was 85%, showing that the model is reliable in
detecting true cases of depression.
• Recall: The recall, measuring the model's capacity to identify true positives (correctly
identifying individuals with depression), was 88%, signifying its effectiveness in recognizing
depression.
• F1-Score: With an F1-score of 86%, the model balanced precision and recall well, showing
reliable performance in both detecting and excluding cases of depression.
Feature Importance:
30
Feature importance analysis was performed to determine which variables contributed most to the
model's predictions. The most influential features were facial micro-expressions, including changes
in mouth curvature and eyebrow movements, and key speech features such as pitch variation and
speaking rate. These findings align with known clinical indicators of depression, such as diminished
facial expressiveness and slower speech patterns.
Interpretability:
To enhance the interpretability of the results, SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values were
applied to the model. SHAP values provide insights into how specific features (facial expressions,
speech intonation) influence the model’s predictions, allowing clinicians to better understand the
factors driving the diagnosis. This ensures transparency, making the model’s decision-making
process easier to interpret for healthcare professionals.
Model Optimization:
During development, the model underwent extensive hyperparameter tuning to enhance performance
and avoid overfitting. Techniques such as grid search and cross-validation were used to fine-tune
parameters, including the learning rate, regularization strength, and model architecture. This ensured
the model struck an optimal balance between complexity and generalizability, improving both
accuracy and interpretability.
Ensemble Methods:
The final depression detection model combined multiple algorithms through ensemble methods such
as bagging and boosting. By leveraging these techniques, the model capitalized on the strengths of
various machine learning algorithms, including CNNs for facial recognition and LSTMs for speech
analysis. This ensemble approach further improved predictive accuracy and robustness across diverse
samples.
Clinical Implications: The depression detection model offers significant clinical value in aiding
early diagnosis and intervention. By analyzing both facial and speech data, clinicians can utilize the
model as a screening tool, identifying patients who may be at risk of depression even in the absence
of self-reported symptoms. The model’s ability to provide real-time analysis makes it useful in
telehealth platforms, enabling mental health professionals to offer timely consultations and
recommend appropriate interventions.
Limitations and Future Directions: While the model’s performance is promising, certain
31
limitations need to be addressed. The reliance on retrospective data limits the model's generalizability
to other populations and settings. Furthermore, the dataset might not fully capture cultural or
linguistic variations in facial expressions and speech patterns related to depression. Future research
should focus on incorporating diverse, real-time data streams and conducting prospective studies to
validate the model’s effectiveness in broader contexts. Ongoing monitoring and iterative refinement
will also be necessary to keep the model relevant as clinical practices and patient populations evolve.
import os
32
import numpy as np
import cv2
33
• Random Forest Classifier:
Accuracy: 84.9%
Precision: 0.85
Recall: 0.80
F1-score: 0.82
AUC-ROC: 0.90
• XGBoost Classifier:
Accuracy: 86.7%
Precision: 0.87
Recall: 0.83
F1-score: 0.85
AUC-ROC: 0.92
• LightGBM Classifier:
Accuracy: 85.4%
Precision: 0.86
Recall: 0.81
F1-score: 0.83
AUC-ROC: 0.91
• Support Vector Machine (SVM):
Accuracy: 83.2%
Precision: 0.84
Recall: 0.78
F1-score: 0.81
AUC-ROC: 0.88
• Ensemble Model (Random Forest + XGBoost + LightGBM):
Accuracy: 88.5%
Precision: 0.89
Recall: 0.87
F1-score: 0.88
AUC-ROC: 0.95
34
Fig 4. Model Accuracy Comparison
Univariate analysis was conducted on the dataset to assess the distribution of numerical and
categorical features. For numerical data, features such as age, duration of depressive symptoms, and
self-reported depression scores were analyzed. Histograms revealed that the age distribution was
approximately normal, while the duration of depressive symptoms exhibited a right skew. Box plots
indicated the presence of outliers, particularly in older age groups with longer symptom durations.
For categorical data, an analysis of gender, ethnicity, and clinical history was performed using
frequency distributions. Notably, 60% of the dataset consisted of females, and there was a
significant representation of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. This diversity enhances
the model's applicability across different demographic groups.
35
4.5 Insight of Bivariate Analysis of Data
36
Fig 5. Bivariate Analysis of Data
Bivariate analysis was conducted to understand relationships between pairs of variables. Scatter plots
highlighted correlations, such as between age and depression scores, and duration of symptoms
and depression scores, showing positive associations. Box plots showed group differences, such as
37
gender and ethnicity compared to depression scores, revealing variability across these categories.
Significant differences were observed, providing insights into how demographics and symptom
duration relate to depression. These relationships help validate features relevant for modeling
depressive states.
1. Feature Scaling: Standardization To standardize the numerical features, the following formula
was used:
where:
38
o z is the standardized score,
o x is the original value,
o μ is the mean of the feature,
o σ is the standard deviation of the feature.
This process ensures that all features contribute equally to the distance calculations in algorithms like
Support Vector Machines (SVM).
2. Loss Function: Binary Cross-Entropy The binary cross-entropy loss function was used for
model training, which is defined as:
where:
o L is the loss,
o N is the number of samples,
o yi is the true label (0 or 1),
o y^i is the predicted probability of the positive class.
This loss function helps optimize the model's parameters to minimize the difference between
predicted and actual labels.
o Accuracy:
where:
o TP = True Positives,
o TN = True Negatives,
o FP = False Positives,
o FN = False Negatives.
o Precision:
39
o Recall (Sensitivity):
o F1-score:
These metrics provide a comprehensive understanding of the model's performance, allowing for
adjustments and improvements based on specific requirements.
4. Confusion Matrix The confusion matrix was utilized to summarize the performance of the
classification model, represented as:
5. Correlation Calculation The correlation coefficient (Pearson correlation) between two variables
XXX and YYY was calculated using the formula:
where:
o r is the correlation coefficient,
o Xi and Yi are individual sample points,
o X̅ and Ȳ are the means of X and Y respectively.
40
4.7 Image Analysis based on model
5.1 Conclusion
This project set out to develop an AI-driven system for detecting depression through facial analysis,
contributing to the growing field of AI in mental health care. By leveraging advanced facial
recognition and deep learning techniques, the system can analyze facial expressions to identify signs
of depression, providing a scalable and accessible tool to aid in early diagnosis. This technology has
the potential to complement existing mental health diagnostic practices and empower both clinicians
and individuals with valuable insights into mental well-being.
Overall, this project has demonstrated that an AI-powered approach to mental health assessment can
be both feasible and impactful. The ability of the model to capture and interpret facial indicators of
depression marks a meaningful advancement in the field, providing a foundation for future
developments and potential deployment in real-world applications.
42
5.2 Future Work
While the results of this project are promising, further development is needed to improve the model’s
robustness, scalability, and ethical alignment in both clinical and everyday settings. Key areas for
future work include:
1. Data Expansion and Diversity: The dataset used in this study provides a foundation for
initial model training but is limited in its demographic scope. To increase the model’s
generalizability and performance across various populations, future work should focus on
expanding the dataset to include a broader range of age groups, ethnicities, and cultural
backgrounds. By incorporating a more diverse set of data, the model will be better equipped
to detect depressive symptoms accurately across different demographic segments, enhancing
its reliability and reducing potential biases in mental health assessment.
2. Integration of Multimodal Data: Currently, the model relies on facial analysis alone, which,
although valuable, could benefit from the integration of additional data types. Future versions
of the model might incorporate speech analysis to detect tone and vocal cues associated with
depressive states, sentiment analysis of text data from social media or written self-reports, and
physiological markers such as heart rate variability. Combining these multiple data streams
could provide a more comprehensive view of an individual's mental health, allowing for a
richer and more accurate assessment of depressive symptoms. This multimodal approach
would enable the model to capture a broader spectrum of behavioral indicators, improving its
sensitivity and specificity.
43
using Bayesian optimization could help in finding optimal settings that maximize the model’s
performance. Additionally, implementing ensemble learning methods—where multiple
models work together—or experimenting with newer deep learning architectures, such as
transformers, could enhance predictive accuracy. These optimization techniques would be
particularly beneficial in cases where depressive symptoms are subtle and challenging to
detect, thereby improving the model's overall robustness and reliability.
5. Clinical Validation and Feedback: For the model to gain acceptance in clinical practice,
rigorous clinical validation is essential. Conducting controlled trials and pilot programs within
healthcare settings would provide empirical data on the model’s real-world efficacy and
reliability. Feedback from mental health professionals, such as psychologists and
psychiatrists, will be crucial in assessing the model’s practical utility and identifying areas for
refinement. This process of clinical validation would help build credibility, paving the way
for wider adoption of the model as a trusted tool in professional mental health assessments.
6. Ethical Considerations and Privacy Protections: Since mental health data is highly
sensitive, addressing ethical concerns and privacy protections is crucial. Future work should
focus on creating a robust ethical framework that prioritizes user confidentiality and data
security. Implementing protocols for informed consent, data encryption, and data
anonymization will protect user privacy. Additionally, ensuring compliance with legal
standards such as HIPAA in the U.S. and GDPR in Europe will be necessary for ethical
deployment. These measures will not only protect users but also enhance trust, ensuring that
users feel safe sharing their data with the system.
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5.3 Future Scope
Future developments in your AI-powered depression detection model could lead to even more precise
predictive capabilities by integrating patient-specific data such as genetic markers, personal history,
lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. By embedding these unique individual traits within the
model, it could achieve a nuanced understanding of each person’s risk factors and symptoms. This
refined approach would allow the model to more accurately detect early signs of depression, monitor
symptom progression, and gauge treatment efficacy, resulting in a deeply personalized experience
that adapts to each user’s mental health journey.
Incorporating longitudinal data analysis in your model could significantly improve its ability to track
depressive symptoms over extended periods. By analyzing changes in facial expressions, vocal tone,
and other indicators over time, the model could identify subtle patterns and shifts that reveal the
progression or improvement of depressive symptoms. This temporal insight would allow the model
to recognize individual recovery trends, symptom recurrence, or potential treatment impacts,
ultimately enhancing its forecasting abilities and supporting more informed intervention strategies
tailored to the user’s unique patterns.
Leveraging the latest advancements in AI—such as deep learning, natural language processing
(NLP), and emotion recognition—your model could be transformed into a highly sensitive tool for
depression detection. By scanning large datasets of facial cues, voice modulations, and behavioral
signals, the AI can identify complex patterns that may be invisible to human observers, detecting
potential depression markers with high accuracy. This not only improves diagnostic precision but
also enables the model to suggest timely interventions and personalized treatment adjustments,
supporting mental health professionals with actionable insights.
Integrating wearable technology and remote monitoring could expand your model’s capabilities,
allowing it to assess physiological and behavioral data outside of clinical environments. For instance,
wearable devices can monitor sleep patterns, physical activity, heart rate variability, and other metrics
45
that correlate with mental well-being. By combining these real-time data points with the AI model’s
predictive insights, it can alert users or their caregivers to potential depressive episodes, offer prompts
for self-care actions, and facilitate proactive mental health management. This integration encourages
users to take a more active role in their mental health journey, empowering them with constant
feedback and support.
For your model to be a valuable clinical and self-assessment tool, it’s crucial to prioritize explainable
AI principles. By making the model’s decision-making processes transparent, users and clinicians
can better understand the reasoning behind its predictions. For instance, the model could provide clear
feedback on why certain facial expressions or vocal tones were flagged, or explain how a combination
of factors led to a specific assessment. This level of transparency not only builds trust but also fosters
a supportive environment where users feel more in control of their mental health data and treatment
options, ensuring that predictive insights are seamlessly integrated into clinical or self-management
routines.
Collaborating with researchers, mental health organizations, and data scientists on a global scale
could advance your model’s efficacy and generalizability across diverse populations. Establishing
data-sharing networks and benchmarking frameworks enables the model to learn from a wider range
of behavioral and clinical data, improving its adaptability and accuracy for individuals from various
backgrounds. Open-access datasets and standardized evaluation metrics ensure that the model’s
findings are reproducible and robust, fostering an environment of shared knowledge that accelerates
advancements in depression detection and predictive mental health analytics worldwide.
5.4 Summary
In conclusion, this project lays the groundwork for a novel approach to mental health assessment,
utilizing AI-powered facial analysis to detect signs of depression. The findings indicate that such a
system could serve as a supplementary tool for mental health professionals, offering an additional
layer of insight into an individual’s emotional state. This approach holds significant promise in
making mental health support more accessible and personalized, potentially benefiting a wide range
46
of users by enabling early detection, risk stratification, and intervention.
Looking forward, the roadmap outlined for future work includes critical steps to enhance the system's
robustness, generalizability, and clinical utility. By addressing limitations related to data diversity,
multimodal integration, real-time functionality, and ethical safeguards, this AI-powered model can
become an invaluable asset in mental health care. This project contributes to a larger vision where AI
and machine learning facilitate more proactive, data-driven, and accessible mental health care
solutions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and supporting the well-being of communities
worldwide.
47
APPENDIX
Code
import numpy as np
import cv2
def preprocess_image(image_path):
emotions = analysis[0]['emotion']
48
3. Depression Classification Function
def preprocess_image(image_path):
try:
emotions = analysis[0]['emotion']
features = [
emotions['neutral']
except Exception as e:
def classify_depression(emotions):
sadness = emotions['sad']
happiness = emotions['happy']
49
fear = emotions['fear']
anger = emotions['angry']
surprise = emotions['surprise']
disgust = emotions['disgust']
elif sadness > 50 or (anger > 30 or disgust > 30): # Strong sadness, anger, or disgust
return "High (Concealed)" # High fear with low happiness (concealed depression)
else:
50
4. Feature Extraction and Label Encoding
features = []
labels = []
num_images = len(uploaded)
if num_images > 0:
features.append(feature)
label = classify_depression(emotions)
labels.append(label)
features = np.array(features)
51
labels = np.array(labels)
if len(features) >= 2:
# Split data
52
# Hyperparameter tuning for SVC
param_grid = {
# Train model using the original features (no augmentation for features)
clf.fit(X_train, y_train)
predictions = clf.predict(X_test)
53
# Print classification report with relevant labels and target names
"""Predict the label for a given image using the trained model."""
depression_label = classify_depression(emotions)
return depression_label
return "Error"
try:
54
# Display the image
img = cv2.imread(filename)
plt.imshow(img_rgb)
plt.title(f"Prediction: {label}")
plt.axis('off')
plt.show()
except Exception as e:
• Google Colab: Enables file upload and interaction with Google Colab resources.
• DeepFace: Used to analyze facial emotions from images.
• Numpy & Matplotlib: Provides numerical operations and visualization.
• Sklearn (SVC, GridSearchCV, etc.): Provides model selection, training, and performance
metrics.
• OpenCV: For image processing, here used to load and format images.
55
o High depression is indicated by strong sadness and low happiness.
o Moderate and mild levels depend on various thresholds of sadness, happiness, and
other emotions like anger and disgust.
o Concealed depression considers a high level of fear with low happiness.
o No depression corresponds to high happiness or low sadness.
• After preprocessing, the emotion features and depression labels are collected for each
uploaded image.
• The code assigns categorical depression labels (None, Mild, Moderate, High, High
(Concealed)) based on classify_depression.
5. Label Encoding
• To work with SVM, the categorical labels are converted to numerical form (e.g., None = 0,
Mild = 1).
• label_dict and numerical_labels map categorical labels to numerical values.
7. Model Evaluation
8. Prediction Function
56
• predict_image: Classifies depression levels in new images based on DeepFace analysis and
the classify_depression function. If training data is insufficient, this function defaults to rule-
based classification.
• Display Predictions: Uses Matplotlib and OpenCV to display images alongside the predicted
depression level.
Output
57
58
59
Fig 8. Output Image
60
Target Variable and Dataset Composition
In this project, the target variable represents various levels of depression severity, categorized based
on emotion analysis obtained from facial expressions. Each level corresponds to a numerical label in
our dataset, as follows:
The label dictionary used in the code for encoding these categories is:
The dataset includes samples spread across these five depression categories; however, the distribution
is imbalanced, with some classes having a higher frequency of samples than others. In particular, the
“No Depression” and “Mild Depression” categories are more frequently represented, while the
“High” and “High (Concealed)” categories contain fewer samples. This class imbalance introduces
challenges for training the model, as it may lead to biased predictions that favor the more represented
categories.
To counter this, the model uses StratifiedKFold cross-validation and class weighting during
training. StratifiedKFold ensures that each fold of cross-validation maintains the original class
distribution, and class weighting adjusts the importance of each category according to its frequency,
helping the model learn to recognize patterns in less frequent classes.
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Domain Analysis
This model employs emotion-based analysis as a proxy to identify potential depression levels, where
facial emotions serve as observable markers. This approach is grounded in the understanding that
certain emotional expressions (e.g., sadness, anger, or happiness) correlate with various depression
symptoms. The key emotional features extracted from each face include probabilities of expressions
like sadness, happiness, anger, fear, and surprise, which collectively offer insight into the individual's
emotional state.
The DeepFace library is used to perform emotion analysis on facial images, generating probabilities
for each emotion that are used to create a feature set for depression classification. These features are
then used to train a Support Vector Classifier (SVC) to distinguish between depression levels.
This model has the potential to support early mental health intervention by providing accessible
and rapid depression screening. By using machine learning to classify potential depression severity,
this approach could help clinicians identify individuals who may benefit from further evaluation or
therapy, particularly in cases where traditional assessments might be challenging.
Technique Used
1. Emotion Analysis with DeepFace: The DeepFace library is used for facial emotion
recognition, analyzing the uploaded images to extract probabilities for different emotions
(e.g., anger, sadness, happiness). DeepFace models can classify facial expressions with pre-
trained deep learning models, which is useful for determining emotional states based on facial
features.
2. Feature Engineering: Emotion probabilities (e.g., levels of anger, sadness, happiness)
extracted from DeepFace are treated as features. These features are then categorized into
various depression levels by a custom classify_depression function based on predefined
thresholds for emotion intensities.
3. Data Preprocessing: The code checks for the presence of emotions in the analyzed images
and converts depression categories into numerical labels (e.g., 0 for "None," 1 for "Mild").
This numerical encoding enables compatibility with machine learning models like Support
Vector Machines (SVM).
4. Class Imbalance Handling with StratifiedKFold: To address class imbalance in the dataset,
StratifiedKFold is used for cross-validation, ensuring each fold has a similar proportion of
62
classes. This technique helps to make the model more robust to underrepresented categories
during training.
5. Model Training with SVM and Hyperparameter Tuning: The code uses SVC (Support
Vector Classifier) with a GridSearchCV for hyperparameter tuning. This grid search tests
various combinations of SVM parameters (like C, kernel, and gamma) to find the best-
performing model. SVM is chosen for its effectiveness in classification tasks, especially when
there are limited features.
6. Performance Evaluation: After training, the model’s accuracy is calculated, and a
classification_report is generated. This report shows precision, recall, and F1-score for each
class, providing insights into the model’s performance, especially in handling multiple
classes.
7. Visualization with Matplotlib: Matplotlib is used to display each image alongside its
predicted depression label, providing a visual verification of the predictions.
8. Image Data Augmentation with ImageDataGenerator (Partially Implemented): Although
ImageDataGenerator is imported, it's not directly used for augmentation in this code. Data
augmentation could be applied in future versions to artificially expand the dataset, improving
model robustness.
63
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