Developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chatbot for Adolescents and Young Adults With Eating D… (NCT07237607) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chatbot for Adolescents and Young Adults With Eating Disorders
United States20 participantsStarted 2026-03-23
Plain-language 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.
Who can participate
Age range
12 Years – 26 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 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
Exclusion Criteria:
* Diagnosis of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
* Have acute suicidality
* Diagnosis of an intellectual disability
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Number of times participants use web-app.
Timeframe: End of Week 2, End of Week 4, End-of-Treatment (Week 6)
2
Number of minutes participants engage with the web-app.
Timeframe: End of Week 2, End of Week 4, End-of-Treatment (Week 6)
3
Percent of eligible Adolescents and Young Adults Consented
Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
4
System Usability Scale Survey (SUS)
Timeframe: End of Week 2, End of Week 4, End-of-Treatment (Week 6)
5
Weight Gain Anxiety Questionnaire
Timeframe: Baseline, End of Week 2, End of Week 4, End-of-Treatment (Week 6)