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AI Chatbot for Adolescents and Young Adults with Eating Disorders

This study is developing and improving an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot called "Exp-ED" for adolescents and young adults (ages 12-26) with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder. The Exp-ED chatbot is a web-app designed to help reduce anxiety about weight gain through exposure exercises (structured steps to reduce anxiety over time). You would use this chatbot as an extra tool during your first six weeks in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Penn State Health. Researchers will measure how often and how long you use the app, and your feedback will help them make it better. The goal is to create an engaging and effective tool to support your recovery.

Study design
This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 20 participants. It is focused on developing and refining a new digital health application.
What's involved
You would use the Exp-ED chatbot app for six weeks. You will also complete assessments every two weeks, including interviews and measures of your experience and anxiety about weight gain.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoints are measured at the end of weeks 2, 4, and 6 of treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07237607

Developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chatbot for Adolescents and Young Adults With Eating Disorders

Recruiting
NAAges 12–26InterventionalTreatment
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
~20 participants
Updated 2026-04-15 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:"Exp-ED" Digital Exposure-Therapy Chatbot app

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Number of times participants use web-app.
Measured over End of Week 2, End of Week 4, End-of-Treatment (Week 6)
+4 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge-Eating Disorder

Explore related trials

Anorexia NervosaBinge EatingBulimia NervosaOther Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Pennsylvania1

Who to contact

Jamal H Essayli, PhD
[email protected]
(717) 531-0003 · ext. 320191
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age is between or equal to 12-26 years
Admitted to the Penn State Health Eating Disorder Partial Hospital Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Have a personal smartphone
Have a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge-eating disorder (BED), or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED)
Be English speaking

Exclusion

Diagnosis of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
Have acute suicidality
Diagnosis of an intellectual disability

What this trial measures

  • Number of times participants use web-app.End of Week 2, End of Week 4, End-of-Treatment (Week 6)

    The investigators will measure the number of times participants use the web-app

  • Number of minutes participants engage with the web-app.End of Week 2, End of Week 4, End-of-Treatment (Week 6)

    The investigators will measure the number of minutes participants engage with the web-app

  • Percent of eligible Adolescents and Young Adults ConsentedThrough study completion, an average of 1 year

    The investigators will measure the percent of eligible adolescents and young adults who consent to the study.

  • System Usability Scale Survey (SUS)End of Week 2, End of Week 4, End-of-Treatment (Week 6)

    The System Usability Scale Survey (SUS) is a 10-item self-report questionnaire that examines the participant's attitude towards the web-app. Scores range from 10-50, with higher scores indicating a better overall experience with the app.

  • Weight Gain Anxiety QuestionnaireBaseline, End of Week 2, End of Week 4, End-of-Treatment (Week 6)

    The Weight Gain Anxiety Questionnaire is a 12-item self-report questionnaire that targets anxiety about weight gain. The scores are measured on a 0-100 scale, with the higher the score indicating more distress about weight gain, with the exception for question 12 which is reverse scored.