Improving Access to Services, Preventing Eating Disorders, and Addressing Comorbid Depression and Anxiety in Diverse Adolescents

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate a digital chatbot program designed to prevent eating disorders in a diverse group of adolescents aged 13 to 17 years. Eating disorders affect youth at high rates and often come with other mental health challenges. Since adolescence is a crucial time for developing eating disorders, this study focuses on prevention, especially among underserved groups such as low-income populations, sexual and gender minorities, racial or ethnic minorities, and those in rural areas who have less access to care. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive immediate access to a digital chatbot program called Wysa or to a waitlist control group. The chatbot offers five cognitive-behavioral therapy-based modules over three months, including psychoeducation and exercises on regular eating and improving body image. The waitlist group will receive access to the chatbot after completing the six-month study period. Throughout the study, participants will engage with the chatbot daily and be monitored over six months. Researchers will assess eating disorder risk factors using the Weight Concerns Scale at six months to measure the program's impact. Participants will also complete screening to ensure they are at risk but not currently in treatment for an eating disorder. The study is sponsored by Washington University School of Medicine and aims to improve access to prevention services for adolescents.

Adolescent Chatbot