Application of the Random Forest Algorithm for Accurate Bipolar Disorder Classification

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex psychiatric condition characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression, posing significant challenges for accurate and timely diagnosis. This study explores the use of the Random Forest (RF) algorithm as a machine learning approach to classify patients...

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Main Authors: Miguel Suárez, Ana M. Torres, Pilar Blasco-Segura, Jorge Mateo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Life
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/3/394
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author Miguel Suárez
Ana M. Torres
Pilar Blasco-Segura
Jorge Mateo
author_facet Miguel Suárez
Ana M. Torres
Pilar Blasco-Segura
Jorge Mateo
author_sort Miguel Suárez
collection DOAJ
description Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex psychiatric condition characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression, posing significant challenges for accurate and timely diagnosis. This study explores the use of the Random Forest (RF) algorithm as a machine learning approach to classify patients with BD and healthy controls based on electroencephalogram (EEG) data. A total of 330 participants, including euthymic BD patients and healthy controls, were analyzed. EEG recordings were processed to extract key features, including power in frequency bands and complexity metrics such as the Hurst Exponent, which measures the persistence or randomness of a time series, and the Higuchi’s Fractal Dimension, which is used to quantify the irregularity of brain signals. The RF model demonstrated robust performance, achieving an average accuracy of 93.41%, with recall and specificity exceeding 93%. These results highlight the algorithm’s capacity to handle complex, noisy datasets while identifying key features relevant for classification. Importantly, the model provided interpretable insights into the physiological markers associated with BD, reinforcing the clinical value of EEG as a diagnostic tool. The findings suggest that RF is a reliable and accessible method for supporting the diagnosis of BD, complementing traditional clinical practices. Its ability to reduce diagnostic delays, improve classification accuracy, and optimize resource allocation make it a promising tool for integrating artificial intelligence into psychiatric care. This study represents a significant step toward precision psychiatry, leveraging technology to improve the understanding and management of complex mental health disorders.
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spelling doaj-art-12f2238d2f834baa990d9e8bddebdff42025-08-20T02:42:38ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292025-03-0115339410.3390/life15030394Application of the Random Forest Algorithm for Accurate Bipolar Disorder ClassificationMiguel Suárez0Ana M. Torres1Pilar Blasco-Segura2Jorge Mateo3Virgen de la Luz Hospital, 16002 Cuenca, SpainMedical Analysis Expert Group, Institute of Technology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13001 Cuenca, SpainDepartment of Pharmacy, General University Hospital, 46014 Valencia, SpainMedical Analysis Expert Group, Institute of Technology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13001 Cuenca, SpainBipolar disorder (BD) is a complex psychiatric condition characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression, posing significant challenges for accurate and timely diagnosis. This study explores the use of the Random Forest (RF) algorithm as a machine learning approach to classify patients with BD and healthy controls based on electroencephalogram (EEG) data. A total of 330 participants, including euthymic BD patients and healthy controls, were analyzed. EEG recordings were processed to extract key features, including power in frequency bands and complexity metrics such as the Hurst Exponent, which measures the persistence or randomness of a time series, and the Higuchi’s Fractal Dimension, which is used to quantify the irregularity of brain signals. The RF model demonstrated robust performance, achieving an average accuracy of 93.41%, with recall and specificity exceeding 93%. These results highlight the algorithm’s capacity to handle complex, noisy datasets while identifying key features relevant for classification. Importantly, the model provided interpretable insights into the physiological markers associated with BD, reinforcing the clinical value of EEG as a diagnostic tool. The findings suggest that RF is a reliable and accessible method for supporting the diagnosis of BD, complementing traditional clinical practices. Its ability to reduce diagnostic delays, improve classification accuracy, and optimize resource allocation make it a promising tool for integrating artificial intelligence into psychiatric care. This study represents a significant step toward precision psychiatry, leveraging technology to improve the understanding and management of complex mental health disorders.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/3/394bipolar disordermachine learningrandom forestartificial intelligenceclassification
spellingShingle Miguel Suárez
Ana M. Torres
Pilar Blasco-Segura
Jorge Mateo
Application of the Random Forest Algorithm for Accurate Bipolar Disorder Classification
Life
bipolar disorder
machine learning
random forest
artificial intelligence
classification
title Application of the Random Forest Algorithm for Accurate Bipolar Disorder Classification
title_full Application of the Random Forest Algorithm for Accurate Bipolar Disorder Classification
title_fullStr Application of the Random Forest Algorithm for Accurate Bipolar Disorder Classification
title_full_unstemmed Application of the Random Forest Algorithm for Accurate Bipolar Disorder Classification
title_short Application of the Random Forest Algorithm for Accurate Bipolar Disorder Classification
title_sort application of the random forest algorithm for accurate bipolar disorder classification
topic bipolar disorder
machine learning
random forest
artificial intelligence
classification
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/3/394
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AT pilarblascosegura applicationoftherandomforestalgorithmforaccuratebipolardisorderclassification
AT jorgemateo applicationoftherandomforestalgorithmforaccuratebipolardisorderclassification