California Study Shows Google Searches Reveal Mental Health Patterns

Circle Connections: New Products & Services Public health experts at San Diego State looked at every mental health query made on Google between 2006 and 2010 in the U.S. and Australia. They identified searches that used "language suggestive of mental health matters," which usually involved people either attempting to self-diagnose or treat themselves, or looking up information on behalf of a friend or family member. The researchers specifically analyzed this data in terms of seasonal changes – shorter, darker days are known to increase symptoms of depression, but little is known about possible patterns for other mental illnesses. They . . .