Do you remember going through hard times in college? We do. Many college students reach for or are recommended self-help books to support them through the tumult of final exams, new relationships, and self-discovery.
But a new study suggests that AI might be even better.
The study (Using AI chatbots to provide self-help depression interventions for university students: A randomized trial of effectiveness) shows that AI chatbots for psychotherapy can be more effective than traditional self-help books (”bibliotherapy”), making them a practical, interactive, and engaging solution for young adults.
Who can Benefit?
University Students: Particularly those experiencing mild to moderate depression.
Anxiety Sufferers: Not just depression; anxiety levels also saw improvements, especially in the first month.
The Benefit of Using AI Chatbots for Psychotherapy
Reduction in Depression Scores: Significant decrease in PHQ-9 scores (P < 0.01).
Anxiety Improvement: Noticeable drop in GAD-7 scores (P = 0.02) within the first 4 weeks.
User Satisfaction: Higher therapeutic alliance scores (WAI-SR) compared to bibliotherapy (P < 0.01).
Step-by-Step Chatbot Integration for Your Practice:
Choose the Right Tool: XiaoNan was the an AI chatbot used in the study, designed to deliver Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles to students that worked with it. There are several non-research apps in the US that provide similar modalities of care, including:
Set Up Access: Provide clear guidelines on how to start using the chatbot, including how to send text or voice messages.
Monitor Progress: Schedule follow-ups every 4 weeks to monitor the progress of depression and anxiety levels using tools like the PHQ-9 and GAD-7.
Feedback Loop:
Gather Patient Feedback: Ask patients about their experience with the chatbot. What worked well? What didn’t?
Iterate: Use this feedback to improve how and when your clinic recommends use of the chatbot
Next Steps/How to Learn More
Keep Up with the Latest:
Expand Usage: Consider incorporating chatbot therapy into your practice, especially for young adults resistant to traditional therapy methods.
Stay Informed: Read more about integrating AI in mental health from sources like Internet Interventions and other peer-reviewed journals.
Continued Education: Attend workshops and webinars on digital health tools to stay updated on best practices.
Who Wrote It
Research Team:
Hao Liu, Huaming Peng, Xingyu Song, Chenzi Xu, and Meng Zhang
Affiliations: South China University of Technology and Central China Normal University
This study is a game-changer for behavioral health practitioners looking to integrate technology into their practice. By offering an engaging, accessible, and effective solution, AI chatbots can significantly enhance the way we approach depression and anxiety in university students.
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Link to Original Article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214782922000021#f0010
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This article was written with the help of AI.
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