It’s not easy to get depression-detecting AI through the FDA

For the past seven years, the California-based startup Kintsugi has been developing AI designed to detect signs of depression and anxiety from a person's speech. But after failing to secure FDA clearance in time, the company is shutting down and releasing most of its technology as open-source. Some elements may even find a second life beyond healthcare, like detecting deepfake audio.

Mental health assessments still largely rely on patient questionnaires and clinical interviews, rather...