Dartmouth College researchers have trialled an AI chatbot, Therabot, designed to assist with mental health care. In a groundbreaking clinical trial, the app was tested on individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), and those at risk for eating disorders.

The results showed encouraging improvements, with users reporting up to a 51% reduction in depression and a 31% decrease in anxiety. These outcomes were comparable to traditional outpatient therapy.

The trial also revealed that Therabot was effective in helping individuals with eating disorder risks, leading to a 19% reduction in harmful thoughts about body image and weight issues.

Researchers noted that after eight weeks of engagement with the app, participants showed significant symptom reduction, marking progress comparable to standard cognitive therapy.

While Therabot's success offers hope, experts highlight the importance of balancing AI with human oversight, especially in sensitive mental health applications.

The study's authors emphasised that while AI can help improve access to therapy, particularly for those unable to access in-person care, generative AI tools must be used cautiously, as errors could have serious consequences for individuals at risk of self-harm.