Data science for mental health: a UK perspective on a global challenge

Data science uses computer science and statistics to extract new knowledge from high-dimensional datasets (ie, those\ud with many diff erent variables and data types). Mental health research, diagnosis, and treatment could benefi t from\ud data science that uses cohort studies, genomics, and routine health-care and administrative data. The UK is well\ud placed to trial these approaches through robust NHS-linked data science projects, such as the UK Biobank, Generation\ud Scotland, and the Clinical Record Interactive Search (CRIS) programme. Data science has great potential as a low-cost,\ud high-return catalyst for improved mental health recognition, understanding, support, and outcomes. Lessons learnt\ud from such studies could have global implications.