Can a chatbot treat eating disorders? new study aims to find out

NCT ID NCT07218302

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 22, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study will test a smartphone chatbot called Wysa that delivers cognitive-behavioral therapy-based self-help for adults with eating disorders. 800 participants will use the chatbot daily for eight weeks. The goal is to see if this digital tool can reduce eating disorder symptoms and provide a scalable treatment option.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Wysa chatbot (digital cognitive-behavioral therapy program)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a low-cost, scalable treatment option for people with eating disorders who currently lack access to care.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 2 trial, so results are preliminary. The chatbot may not be as effective as in-person therapy, and participants must have low suicidality and not be in current treatment, limiting who can join.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

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.

EATING DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Washington University in St. Louis
RECRUITING

St Louis, Missouri, 63105, United States

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