Arcturus is a digital, mental health diagnostic tool that can be completed by any person who has access to the internet, at any time. The assessment takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete and is efficient in diagnosing all recognised mental health conditions listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders 5 (DSM-5) and International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD-10). It is currently the only existing on-line diagnostic tool, programmed using criteria from the DSM-5 and ICD-10.
Addressing The Problem – Waiting Times
There is no doubt that the current NHS waiting times for diagnosis are a huge problem. According to The Independent Mental Health Taskforce, early intervention for people experiencing a mental health problem is a crucial aspect in the prevention of symptoms escalating and achieving positive recovery outcomes. However, despite the benefits, a number of avoidable factors contribute to a failure to seek help at all.
A well-known and extensively researched barrier to help-seeking is the fear of stigmatisation, leading to many celebrity-led campaigns, aimed partly at raising awareness of their commonness. In fact, mental health issues affect 1 in 4 adults annually; however three quarters of those experiencing problems do not receive any form of support.
Can Digital Systems Provide a Solution?
I believe they can! A mental health condition is diagnosed based on a number of factors including effects on behaviour, mood, history and impact of symptoms on everyday life. This information is gained by asking a number questions taken from questionnaires, which have been designed to elicit enough information to provide an accurate diagnosis. So why can’t the same information be processed digitally? The answer is simply “It can!”
How does this Help Improve the Current System?
My reasoning is mainly based on NHS resources. We are all well aware of cuts to NHS services and the consequential negative effects on those requiring help. People describe the anguish of waiting months for an assessment, often expressing feelings of anger and frustration. Whilst some people may want to connect with another human being, many people just want answers. As previously discussed, some people feel too afraid to seek help at all.
An online mental health assessment can provide people with instant access to gaining a diagnosis. People often just want to understand why they feel the way they do and know that they can be helped. For those who do not wish to see a GP, a digital system also provides privacy.
The Googling Issue – we are already going online
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence claim that 97% of people experiencing mental health issues do not know who to contact. This provides one explanation of the trend in Googling symptoms. The problem with Google however, is it just doesn’t get to the point. Ads, quacks and novel sized information pages are just a few of the issues that can overwhelm a person looking for help. This is why we should be asking “why isn’t there a legitimate and validated online tool out there to provide people with answers?”
We are Almost There.
At Denver Arc, we have the technology. We have already launched our signposting app ‘Solis’ and our digital diagnostic tool ‘Arcturus’ is ready for clinical testing. Your thoughts, concerns and general input however are an important aspect of this process. Share your experiences with us and tell us what you think.
Written by Julie Manifold, Assistant Psychologist in Public Consultation.
Denver Arc 