This project was selected for funding under the University of Haifa’s Impact Research Initiative (2024–2025) and supported by a NIS 50,000 grant from the Innovation and Sustainability Division.
The awarded research reflects the University’s leadership in shaping a more sustainable future, positioning academic research as a catalyst for social responsibility, environmental resilience and long-term impact.
Since October 2023, the security escalation in northern Israel has forced approximately 68,500 residents to evacuate their homes, triggering a sharp rise in psychological distress and depression. Recent studies indicate that the prevalence of depression increased from 31.3% before the war to 44.8% afterward, with many cases remaining undetected due to the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods.
A new project led by Prof. Sigal Zilcha-Mano, Dr. Eyal Levi, and Ph.D. student Michal Malka from the Psychotherapy Research Lab at the University of Haifa has been awarded a ₪50,000 grant to implement and evaluate Digilton—an innovative AI-based digital tool designed for early detection and continuous monitoring of depressive symptoms.
In its initial phase, Digilton will be adapted to the technical and organizational needs of participating in healthcare institutions, alongside training medical teams to accurately use and interpret the data. Following a structured recruitment process with informed consent, clinical interviews will be conducted to validate the tool’s assessments. The collected data will be used to evaluate Digilton’s effectiveness as a scalable solution for early identification of depression across large populations, while generating critical insights into the integration of digital tools within mental health care systems.
Developed over a decade of research and based on the widely used Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Digilton leverages image-based technology to deliver fast, accessible, and reliable assessments. Its ability to provide timely and accurate evaluations offers a direct response to the urgent mental health needs of northern communities facing multiple risk factors—helping to reduce both the psychological and economic impact of the ongoing crisis.
This project reflects the University of Haifa’s impact-driven approach to mental health innovation, translating advanced AI research into practical tools that improve early diagnosis, expand access to care, and strengthen resilience in times of crisis.