Automated screening for distress: A perspective for the future.

Distress is a complex condition, which affects a significant percentage of cancer patients and may lead to depression, anxiety, sadness, suicide and other forms of psychological morbidity. Compelling evidence supports screening for distress as a means of facilitating early intervention and subsequent improvements in psychological well-being and overall quality of life. Nevertheless, despite the existence of evidence-based and easily administered screening tools, for example, the Distress Thermometer, routine screening for distress is yet to achieve widespread implementation. Efforts are intensifying to utilise innovative, cost-effective methods now available through emerging technologies in the informatics and computational arenas.