This study, the first to test an AI voice-based virtual coach for behavioral therapy, found changes in patients’ brain activity after using Lumen, an AI voice assistant that provides a form of psychotherapy, I found that my depression and anxiety symptoms improved.
Updated May 21, 2023 | 1:46 PM IST
Two-thirds of patients used Lumen on the study-provided iPad for eight problem-solving therapy sessions, while the remainder served as no-intervention “waiting list” controls.
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The results, published in the journal Translational Psychiatry, provide encouraging evidence that virtual therapy can play a role in bridging the gap in mental health care. In mental health care, waiting lists and disparities in access are often hurdles to overcome in order to receive treatment, especially for patients in vulnerable communities. process.
“This kind of technology could act as a bridge. It won’t replace conventional treatments, but it could be an important stopgap before someone gets treatment,” Agiloa added. .
The researchers enrolled more than 60 people in a clinical study investigating the effects of the application on mild to moderate depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as on activity in brain regions previously shown to be associated with the benefits of problem-solving therapy. of patients were recruited.
Two-thirds of patients used Lumen on the study-provided iPad for eight problem-solving therapy sessions, while the remainder served as no-intervention “waiting list” controls.
After the intervention, study participants who used the Lumen app were shown to have lower depression, anxiety and distress scores compared to controls.
The Lumen group also showed improved problem-solving skills that correlated with increased activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region associated with cognitive control. Promising results were also obtained for women and underrepresented populations.
“It’s important to change the way people think about the problem so they don’t get emotionally overwhelmed,” said Dr. Jun Ma, a professor of medicine at UIC.
“This is a well-established, practical, patient-driven behavioral therapy that is well suited for treatment using voice-based technology,” added Maher.
