Actively Recruiting
Developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Exposure Therapy Chatbot for Adolescents and Young Adults With Eating Disorders
Led by Milton S. Hershey Medical Center · Updated on 2026-04-15
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are developing and refining an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Exposure Therapy chatbot web-app aimed at adolescents and young adults with eating disorders. This digital tool is designed to engage participants and reduce their anxiety about weight gain. The study will enroll 20 participants aged 12 to 26 years who are receiving treatment in a Partial Hospitalization Program for eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, or other specified feeding or eating disorders. The project includes iterative development and evaluation of the chatbot using implementation science frameworks and benchmarks from previous mental health chatbot research. Participants will use the Exp-ED chatbot app during the first six weeks of their Partial Hospitalization Program treatment. The app delivers exposure-based content through a text-based interface on smartphones or personal computers, guiding users with exercises to gradually reduce anxiety, recording their distress ratings, and providing coping prompts. The development process includes monthly reviews and updates to the app based on participant feedback and data. Each new version will be tested with new participants, creating a continuous improvement cycle. During the six-week study period, participants will complete assessments every two weeks, including interviews about their experience with the chatbot, measures of feasibility, usability, and acceptability, and evaluations of anxiety about weight gain. Researchers will track usage data such as how often and how long participants engage with the app. Additional assessments include clinical impairment, eating disorder symptoms, fear of food, generalized anxiety, depression, and eating anxiety. The study aims to understand how well the chatbot supports treatment and reduces anxiety symptoms in young people with eating disorders.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chatbot for Adolescents and Young Adults With Eating Disorders
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age is between or equal to 12-26 years
- Admitted to the Penn State Health Eating Disorder Partial Hospital Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Have a personal smartphone
- Have a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge-eating disorder (BED), or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED)
- Be English speaking
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
- Have acute suicidality
- Diagnosis of an intellectual disability
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants use the Exp-ED chatbot app as a supplemental therapeutic tool during their first six weeks of the Partial Hospitalization Program for eating disorders.
Assessments every 2 weeks during treatment
Duration - Up to 1 year
Participants complete assessments about their experience with the chatbot app, feasibility, usability, acceptability, and anxiety about weight gain after treatment ends.
Periodic assessments through study completion
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Penn State College of Medicine
Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States, 17033
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jamal H Essayli, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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