DoctorPresso Launches App That Detects Depression Through Voice

South Korean startup DoctorPresso has introduced REDI, a voice-based diary app that can detect early signs of depression by analyzing users' speech patterns.

DoctorPresso has harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to develop an app that listens to what users say and how they say it, offering deeper insights into their mental health. REDI analyzes four key voice characteristics: average pitch, pitch variability, spectral centroid, and spectral roll-off, which all change as depression worsens. It employs a small language model (SLM), which processes all voice data directly on the user's device.

The app also offers a habit-tracking calendar that monitors lifestyle factors like sleep, alcohol consumption, and physical activity, which are closely tied to emotional health.

"The strength of REDI is that it takes something we all do—speak—and turns it into a tool for mental health," said Dr. HwanBo Jung, CEO of Doctorpresso, in a statement. "It's like having a mental health checkup in your pocket.

"Mental health care is evolving," he said further. "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."