THE ROLE OF CLUSTER ANALYSIS IN PRECISION PSYCHIATRY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF SUBGROUP IDENTIFICATION IN PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

Main Article Content

Akhand Pratap Singh
Manish Tyagi
S. Nagendran

Keywords

Cluster analysis, mental health, subgroup identification, personalized care, systematic review, precision psychiatry

Abstract

Mental health disorders are highly heterogeneous, presenting diverse symptoms, risk factors, and treatment responses. Identifying distinct subgroups within these disorders is essential for developing personalized treatment strategies, improving therapeutic outcomes, and optimizing resource allocation. This systematic review explores how cluster analysis has been applied in mental health research to categorize subgroups across various psychiatric and psychological populations, evaluating its implications for personalized care and addressing key methodological challenges. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science (October 2021 to October 2024) initially identified 1,245 studies, with 31 studies ultimately meeting inclusion criteria and using cluster analysis to identify subgroups within disorders such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, schizophrenia, BPD, ADHD, and OCD. In alignment with the study’s objectives, data extraction focused on clustering methodologies, subgroup characteristics, and the clinical implications for treatment personalization. Studies employed a range of clustering techniques, including K-means, hierarchical clustering, latent class analysis, Gaussian mixture models, and DBSCAN, which effectively identified clinically meaningful subgroups characterized by unique symptom profiles, biological markers, and treatment responses. For instance, melancholic, atypical, and anxious subtypes in depression were identified, each requiring tailored therapeutic approaches. Similarly, biomarker-based subgroups in generalized anxiety disorder emphasized the potential for targeted interventions. This review affirms that cluster analysis is a valuable tool in precision psychiatry, offering insights into disorder heterogeneity that support the development of individualized treatment plans and improve patient outcomes

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