Chatbot therapy: can AI ease eating disorder anxiety?

NCT ID NCT07237607

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study is testing an AI-powered chatbot called Exp-ED that guides teens and young adults through exposure therapy exercises to reduce anxiety about weight gain. Twenty participants in a partial hospitalization program for eating disorders will use the app for six weeks. Researchers will measure how often they use it, how usable it feels, and whether their anxiety improves.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Exp-ED digital exposure-therapy chatbot app

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide a low-cost, accessible tool to help teens and young adults manage anxiety about weight gain during eating disorder treatment.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small study with only 20 participants, focused on feasibility and usability. The chatbot is a supplement, not a standalone treatment, and may not reduce anxiety for everyone.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANOREXIA NERVOSA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anorexia nervosa binge eating disorder Binge-Eating Disorder bulimia nervosa eating disorder Feeding and Eating Disorders

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Penn State College of Medicine

    RECRUITING

    Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••