Proposal Title: MetaverseHealing 4.0: Meta-Avatar system for Mental Trauma-related Psychological Disorder Diagnosis and Digitally enhanced Healing

Mental disorders provide a significant worldwide health concern, as acknowledged by the worldwide Burden of Disease (GBD), which identifies them as one of the top 25 contributors to overall burden. At present, there is a prevalence of mental illness affecting around 10.7% of the worldwide population, which has been identified as a significant factor leading to elevated suicide rates, particularly within the age group of 15 to 29 years. The burden has been further intensified by the COVID-19 epidemic, which has resulted in heightened levels of isolation, economic strain, and grief. Despite the considerable impact it has, mental health continues to be a field within healthcare that is significantly underfunded and neglected. This phenomenon is particularly evident in low- and middle-income nations, where a significant proportion of individuals with mental problems, exceeding 75%, do not have access to any form of therapy. The insufficiency of mental health care is underscored by the World Health Organization's findings on the limited accessibility of psychiatrists, with a mere 6 to 14 professionals per 100,000 individuals in Central Asia and Europe, respectively. Patient reticence in seeking care is influenced by social stigma and a lack of information, resulting in underreporting and unequal access to healthcare services based on regional and sociodemographic variables.

This research introduces a comprehensive package of digital health technologies (DHT) that can be utilized for the diagnosis and treatment of psychological trauma-related diseases. The package incorporates machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and metaverse technologies. The objective of this research is to tackle the lack of cohesion in existing methodologies by incorporating sophisticated modalities, namely Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), as well as self-learning techniques such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs), to facilitate the timely identification and management of mental health problems resulting from traumatic experiences. The suggested framework aims to provide a cost-effective, easily accessible, and privacy-conscious alternative to conventional care, emphasizing the importance of empathy and user interaction in the therapeutic journey.

Our study makes several notable contributions. Firstly, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of current systems, identifying deficiencies in user experience and areas requiring further research. Secondly, we designed and implemented a high-quality Diagnostic and Treatment Handbook (DHT) for mental disorders, which serves as a benchmark for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Thirdly, we introduced a metaverse-based alternative to human expert intervention in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), enabling greater patient engagement. Lastly, we proposed a cost-efficient substitute for expert care, addressing the financial burden associated with specialized treatment.

The research aims to examine the treatment obstacles faced by individuals with psychological disorders following traumatic experiences. Additionally, it seeks to establish standardized criteria and well-balanced datasets for different mental conditions. Furthermore, the study intends to develop a comprehensive framework for detecting psychological disorders using Speech Emotion Recognition (SER) technology, while also integrating treatment modalities such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and the metaverse. These interventions will be tailored to address the specific needs of different age groups and genders. Performance indicators will be implemented to evaluate different treatment options, so assuring a tailored and efficient approach to mental healthcare.

This framework aims to address the significant deficiency in existing mental health care by offering comprehensive, technologically advanced interventions for the increasingly large population impacted by psychological trauma. In doing so, it contributes to the global endeavor of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, which advocates for well-being across all age groups.