Optimizing an Automated Chatbot to Achieve Efficient, Scalable Treatment for Eating Disorders
Washington University School of Medicine
Summary
The purpose of this study is to optimize an automated digital chatbot intervention for adults with clinical or subclinical eating disorders.
Description
Eating disorders (EDs) are common-affecting an estimated 10% of individuals in their lifetimes-and have disabling consequences being associated with high psychiatric comorbidity, impairment, and mortality. Despite this, less than 20% of individuals with an ED ever receive treatment. When individuals do seek treatment, many are not evidence-based and come with high costs and burden on the healthcare system. One solution to this is a chatbot intervention that is evidence-based, affordable, and accessible for people with EDs. This project will assess four candidate components of a cognitive behav…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * 18+ years old * Owns a smartphone * Speaks English * US resident * Screens for a clinical or subclinical eating disorder * Low suicidality * Not currently in treatment for an eating disorder * Does not have a medical condition or take medications that impact appetite/weight * Not currently pregnant Exclusion Criteria: * Below 18 years of age * Does not own a smartphone * Does not speak English * Lives outside the US * Screens as: at risk for an eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, atypical anorexia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, or not at risk for an…
Interventions
- BehavioralDigital Chatbot Program
Wysa is a digital rules-based chatbot program platform offering cognitive-behavioral therapy-based guided self-help modules. Participants in an arm with access to Wysa will engage with the digital chatbot program daily for eight weeks.
Location
- Washington University in St. LouisSt Louis, Missouri