DIGITAL PHENOTYPING IN SCHIZOPHRENIA: CLINICAL APPLICATIONS, ETHICAL CHALLENGES, AND SOCIETAL IMPLICATIONS. A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Emilia Kucab; Kacper Szpanelewski; Radosław Kołodziej; Anna Kołodziej; Jakub Klecha; Katarzyna Dziki; Izabella Kula; Joanna Ciemięga; Wiktor Adamiec; Damian  Danilczuk; Szczepan Półchłopek; Szymon Lulek

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5707

Authors

Emilia Kucab University Clinical Hospital F.Chopin in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4320-6327
Kacper Szpanelewski Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2517-4535
Radosław Kołodziej Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1767-5956
Anna Kołodziej Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0969-5211
Jakub Klecha Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8909-9181
Katarzyna Dziki University Clinical Hospital F.Chopin in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9380-1244
Izabella Kula City Hospital of John Paul II in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7379-5062
Joanna Ciemięga University of Rzeszów: Rzeszów, Rzeszów Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0041-1671
Wiktor Adamiec City Hospital of John Paul II in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3322-5479
Damian Danilczuk City Hospital of John Paul II in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5755-1115
Szczepan Półchłopek City Hospital of John Paul II in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1188-2830
Szymon Lulek Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3827-2907

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5707

Keywords:

Digital Phenotyping, Schizophrenia, Digital Psychiatry, Mobile Health, Behavioral Monitoring, Machine Learning

Abstract

"Digital phenotyping" refers to the real-time measurement of human behavior using data from cellphones and wearable sensors. Interest in this method has increased in psychiatric research, particularly for severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic illness that impairs daily functioning and is characterized by disturbances in perception, cognition, and emotional regulation. Traditional clinical evaluations are episodic and rely on self-reported data, potentially overlooking significant changes between visits. Digital phenotyping allows for continuous behavioral data collection in real-world settings, capturing metrics such as social interaction, communication, sleep, and mobility. These data can enhance understanding of symptom progression, relapse risk, and treatment effectiveness. However, digital monitoring raises ethical and social concerns regarding data governance, privacy, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in psychiatric care. This review assesses the clinical value, technological foundations, and ethical considerations of digital phenotyping in schizophrenia. The article summarizes current research and proposes strategies for integrating digital behavioral monitoring into mental health care.

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