American scientists endeavor to establish legitimacy for AI-based mental health care solutions
Tammy and her team at Dartmouth College are shaking up the mental health world with Therabot, their AI-powered chatbot designed to combat the shortage of therapists. This badass app is set to change the game, as even amplifying the number of mental health professionals tenfold wouldn't meet demand, according to assistant prof Nick Jacobson.
The Dartmouth crew recently published a study proving Therabot's effectiveness in tackling anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Now, they're gearing up for a trial to compare Therabot's results with traditional therapy sessions. The medical community seems onboard with this innovative approach.
According to Vaile Wright, senior director of health-care innovation at the American Psychological Association, we're looking at a future where AI-generated chatbots backed by science could revolutionize mental health care. Wright does have concerns about potential harm to younger users, but she acknowledges the promise these applications hold, particularly if they're developed responsibly.
Jacobson and team have dedicated nearly six years to creating Therabot, focusing on safety and effectiveness. Michael Heinz, psychiatrist and project co-leader, stresses the importance of avoiding the rush for profits, which could compromise safety. The Dartmouth team is all about understanding how Therabot works and establishing trust before taking it mainstream.
They're even considering forming a nonprofit linked to Therabot to make digital therapy accessible to those who can't afford traditional in-person help. In a market full of untested apps that claim to fix everything from loneliness to sadness, Therabot could stand out as the real deal.
Many mental health apps on the market seem more focused on capturing attention and generating revenue rather than improving mental health. These models keep users engaged by catering to their needs, but young users might fail to realize they're being manipulated.
Darlene King, chair of the American Psychiatric Association's committee on mental health technology, highlights AI's potential to address mental health challenges, but emphasizes the need for more info before determining benefits and risks. As of now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn't certify medical devices or AI apps. Instead, they may authorize marketing after reviewing appropriate pre-market submissions.
Herbert Bay, CEO of Earkick, defends his AI therapist Panda as "super safe." Earkick is conducting a clinical study of their digital therapist, which detects emotional crisis signs or suicidal ideation and sends help alerts. Meanwhile, some users find comfort in AI assistants like ChatGPT, even when they're not designed specifically for mental health. One user, Darren, found it helpful for his traumatic stress disorder. "It's working for me," he says, recommending it to fellow anxiety sufferers in distress.
- Tammy and her team at Dartmouth College are using artificial intelligence (AI) to develop Therabot, a chatbot designed to improve mental health care.
- The effectiveness of Therabot in addressing anxiety, depression, and eating disorders has been proven in a recent study by the Dartmouth team.
- As they prepare for a trial comparing Therabot's results with traditional therapy sessions, the medical community is showing support for this innovative AI-powered chatbot.
- Vaile Wright, senior director of health-care innovation at the American Psychological Association, sees a future where AI-generated chatbots could revolutionize mental health care, but has concerns about potential harm to younger users.
- Jacobson and his team have spent nearly six years creating Therabot, ensuring safety and effectiveness while avoiding the rush for profits that could compromise safety.
- The Dartmouth team is considering forming a nonprofit linked to Therabot to make digital therapy accessible to those who can't afford traditional in-person help.
- Many mental health apps in the market prioritize capturing attention and generating revenue over improving mental health, manipulating young users who may not realize it.
- Darlene King, chair of the American Psychiatric Association's committee on mental health technology, highlights the potential of AI in addressing mental health challenges but emphasizes the need for more information before determining benefits and risks.
- Users find comfort in AI assistants like ChatGPT, even when they're not designed specifically for mental health, such as Darren, who uses it to manage his traumatic stress disorder.
