A clinical trial conducted by Dartmouth researchers has demonstrated the potential of an AI-powered therapy chatbot, named “Therabot,” to significantly improve mental health. The study, published in NEJM AI, marks the first clinical trial of a generative AI therapy chatbot and showed that participants experienced notable reductions in symptoms of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and eating disorders.
Participants in the trial, totaling 106 individuals from across the United States, reported that they could trust and communicate with Therabot in a way that felt similar to interacting with a human therapist. This “therapeutic alliance,” which involves trust and collaboration, is considered crucial for successful therapy.
The results indicated that individuals diagnosed with depression experienced an average 51% reduction in symptoms, leading to clinically significant improvements in their mood and overall well-being. Participants with generalized anxiety reported an average 31% decrease in symptoms, with many transitioning from moderate to mild anxiety or even falling below the diagnostic threshold.
Therabot, developed in Dartmouth’s AI and Mental Health Lab since 2019, was created with input from psychologists and psychiatrists affiliated with Dartmouth and Dartmouth Health. The chatbot was designed to be accessible at any time via a smartphone app, allowing users to receive support in real-time.
Researchers noted that while AI therapy requires clinician oversight, it holds promise for providing immediate support to individuals who lack consistent access to mental health professionals. The observed symptom improvements were comparable to those reported in traditional outpatient therapy, suggesting that AI-assisted therapy could offer meaningful clinical benefits.
One surprising finding was the level of connection participants felt with Therabot. Many initiated conversations with the chatbot, often during times of distress, such as in the middle of the night. This suggests that Therabot could serve as a readily available source of support outside of traditional therapy hours.
The researchers emphasize that Therabot is not intended to replace human therapists. However, it could serve as a valuable partner, especially in areas where mental health resources are limited or expensive. Ongoing monitoring and input from mental health experts will be crucial in further developing and implementing AI-powered therapy tools.
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