Chatbot therapy shows promise for anhedonia in small trial

NCT ID NCT07663019

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether a chatbot that uses motivational interviewing can help college students with anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure) update their beliefs in a more positive way. 80 participants will interact with the chatbot or a control version over several sessions. The goal is to see if the chatbot can reduce negative thinking patterns and improve expectations about future life events.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Motivational Interviewing chatbot
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a low-cost, accessible digital tool to help people with anhedonia feel more hopeful and engaged in daily life.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study in healthy college students, not a clinical population. The chatbot may not produce lasting changes, and results may not apply to people with severe depression.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEALTHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
RECRUITING

Chengdu, Sichuan, China

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