Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

AI Analysis Flags Subtle Facial Cues Tied to Mild Depression, Study Finds

The peer-reviewed findings in Japanese undergraduates point to a research-stage screening approach that still requires broader validation.

Image
Students who reported subthreshold depressive symptoms were rated by their peers as less friendly, expressive, and likable. Credit: Neuroscience News
Having difficult conversations is beneficial in relationships. (Chay_Tee/Shutterstock)
Image

Overview

  • Researchers analyzed 10-second self-introduction videos from 64 Japanese undergraduates and collected impression ratings from a separate group of 63 peers using the Beck Depression Inventory-II for classification.
  • OpenFace 2.0 detected distinct facial Action Units in those with subthreshold symptoms, including AU01 (inner brow raiser), AU05 (upper lid raiser), AU20 (lip stretcher), and mouth-opening AUs AU25/26/28.
  • Five Action Units showed significant positive correlations with depression scores after false-discovery-rate correction, indicating measurable micro-movement patterns linked to symptom severity.
  • Peer raters judged students with subthreshold symptoms as less expressive, friendly, natural, and likeable, while not rating them as more stiff, fake, or nervous.
  • Published on August 21, 2025 in Scientific Reports by Eriko Sugimori and Mayu Yamaguchi, the study suggests potential non-invasive screening in schools, workplaces, and digital health but notes cultural limits, self-report measures, lack of clinical validation, and no competing interests.