AI-Driven Multimodal Therapeutic System With Virtual Reality Integration for Anxiety Disorders in Adolescents

Plain-language summary

Many young people in the Middle East face anxiety problems, and social stigma often stops them from getting help. Doctors' usual talks sometimes miss the right diagnosis, and most treatments only target one part of anxiety (thoughts, feelings, or body reactions). This study tested a free mobile app designed to help teens aged 13-19 manage anxiety better on their own or with support. The app uses artificial intelligence (AI) to chat with users, ask questions based on standard medical guidelines, and suggest a personalized plan. It combines four proven therapy styles: * Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - helps change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors * Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - teaches accepting feelings while focusing on what matters * Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) - combines mindfulness with ways to handle negative thoughts * Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) - uses mindfulness exercises to reduce stress Users can also write in a private journal, review their past entries to track patterns, join video group sessions with other teens (after a short readiness check to ensure a good fit), and try virtual reality exercises to face fears safely. The app works in many languages, including Egyptian Arabic dialects, keeps chats private and encrypted, and only shares info with a psychiatrist for diagnosis help if needed. It also uses AI to read facial expressions and voice tone for real-time feedback on emotions. We enrolled 587 teens (some used the app, others did not as a comparison group) and measured how well the app diagnosed anxiety and reduced symptoms.

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