Eye test aids mental health diagnoses

An eye test which could help diagnose mental health disorders has been developed by researchers at the University of Aberdeen.

The test, which has moved into the next phase of testing ahead of clinical deployment, uses an ultrafast camera to measure eye movement patterns. The university said initial results suggested that it was effective in detecting several mental health disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression.

The next phase of testing will look at whether it can diagnose people as effectively with personality problems and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Professor David St Clair, chair of mental health at the University of Aberdeen said: ‘The aim of the test is to help clinicians arrive at a correct diagnosis sooner. Patients can then receive treatment sooner. We believe the test may also identify individuals at risk of developing mental health problems before they arise.’