South Korean startup DoctorPresso launches REDI app to detect depression through voice

In a world where mental health challenges are on the rise, South Korean startup DoctorPresso, has introduced REDI, a voice-based diary app that can detect early signs of depression by analyzing users' speech patterns. It's a bold new approach to mental health care - one that promises to change how we monitor and manage emotional well-being.

Depression, which affects over 258 million people globally, is not just an emotional struggle; it's a leading cause of disability and lost productivity. Traditional screening methods, such as questionnaires, often fall short in accurately assessing the depth of a person's mental state. Recognizing this gap, DoctorPresso has harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to develop an app that listens to what you say - and how you say it - offering deeper insights into your mental health.

Dr.Shin, CMO, Doctorpresso: "While someone might not realize they're depressed, their voice often carries subtle clues. With REDI, we can capture those clues and provide real-time analysis that helps users understand their emotional state in ways traditional tools can't."

REDI analyzes four key voice characteristics: average pitch, pitch variability, spectral centroid, and spectral roll-off. According to the research these elements change as depression worsens - lower pitch, greater variability, and shifts in the voice's frequency range are all indicators. REDI's AI uses these factors to classify users into three depression stages: non-depressed (ND), mild depression (mDE), and major depressive episode (MDE).

What sets REDI apart is not just its innovative technology but also its emphasis on privacy. Unlike many AI-powered tools that send data to the cloud, REDI employs a Small Language Model (SLM), which processes all voice data directly on the user's device. This ensures that sensitive information remains private, giving users peace of mind while using the app to manage their mental health.

The potential of REDI is groundbreaking. By providing real-time, voice-based depression screening, it could help millions of people recognize the early warning signs of mental health struggles and seek help before conditions worsen. This proactive approach could be especially beneficial in a world where access to mental health professionals is limited, and stigma often prevents people from seeking care.

HwanBo Jung, CEO, Doctorpresso: The strength of REDI is that it takes something we all do - speak - and turns it into a tool for mental health. It's like having a mental health checkup in your pocket. Mental health care is evolving. With REDI, we're giving people the power to take control of their mental well-being in a way that's easy, private, and effective."

The app also offers a habit-tracking calendar that monitors lifestyle factors like sleep, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. These patterns are closely tied to emotional health, and REDI's ability to connect the dots between lifestyle and mental well-being makes it an all-in-one tool for users looking to gain a better understanding of themselves.

As REDI prepares for its global rollout, DoctorPresso is optimistic about the app's impact. In an age where mental health awareness is more critical than ever, REDI could be the tool that helps millions rediscover their emotions - just by speaking up.

www.doctorpresso.com

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