RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07237607

Developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chatbot for Adolescents and Young Adults With Eating Disorders

Developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Exposure Therapy Chatbot for Adolescents and Young Adults With Eating Disorders

Sponsor

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Enrollment

20 participants

Start Date

Mar 23, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Eating Disorders Binge-Eating Disorder

Summary

The goal of this study is to develop and refine an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Exposure Therapy for Eating Disorders chatbot web-app that effectively engages adolescents and young adults and decreases anxiety about weight gain. Participants will use the web-app as a supplemental therapeutic tool during their first six weeks of treatment in a Partial Hospitalization Program. Participants will complete assessments every two weeks, including: (1) semi-structured interviews about their experience with the chatbot web-app; (2) implementation outcome measures (e.g., feasibility, usability, acceptability); and (3) anxiety about weight gain.

Eligibility

Min Age: 12 YearsMax Age: 26 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a behavioral approach called "Exp-ED" Digital Exposure-Therapy Chatbot app for people with anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and other related conditions. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location. People eligible for this study include aged 12 Years to 26 Years.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORAL"Exp-ED" Digital Exposure-Therapy Chatbot app

Exp-ED is a text-based digital health application designed for smartphones and personal computers. It provides exposure-based content to adolescents and young adults with eating disorders. The chatbot guides users through exposure exercises (structured steps to reduce anxiety over time), records subjective distress ratings (self-reported anxiety scores), and offers evidence-based coping prompts. These sessions are intended to supplement clinical care during a six-week partial hospitalization program.