May 21, 2023
2 mins read

New AI voice coach may help treat depression, anxiety

Two-thirds of the patients used Lumen on a study-provided iPad for eight problem-solving therapy sessions, with the rest serving as a “waitlist” control receiving no intervention…reports Asian Lite News

Artificial intelligence (AI) could be a useful tool in mental health treatment, according to a new study.

The study, which was the first to test an AI voice-based virtual coach for behavioural therapy, found changes in patients’ brain activity along with improved depression and anxiety symptoms after using Lumen — an AI voice assistant that delivered a form of psychotherapy.

The results, published in the journal Translational Psychiatry, offer encouraging evidence that virtual therapy can play a role in filling the gaps in mental health care, where waitlists and disparities in access are often hurdles that patients, particularly from vulnerable communities, must overcome to receive treatment.

“We’ve had an incredible explosion of need, especially in the wake of Covid, with soaring rates of anxiety and depression and not enough practitioners,” said Dr. Olusola A. Ajilore, professor of psychiatry at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

“This kind of technology may serve as a bridge. It’s not meant to be a replacement for traditional therapy, but it may be an important stop-gap before somebody can seek treatment,” Ajilore added.

The researchers recruited over 60 patients for the clinical study exploring the application’s effect on mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety symptoms, and activity in brain areas previously shown to be associated with the benefits of problem-solving therapy.

Two-thirds of the patients used Lumen on a study-provided iPad for eight problem-solving therapy sessions, with the rest serving as a “waitlist” control receiving no intervention.

After the intervention, study participants using the Lumen app showed decreased scores for depression, anxiety and psychological distress compared with the control group.

The Lumen group also showed improvements in problem-solving skills that correlated with increased activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain area associated with cognitive control. Promising results for women and underrepresented populations also were found.

“It’s about changing the way people think about problems and how to address them, and not being emotionally overwhelmed,” said Dr. Jun Ma, Professor of Medicine at UIC.

“It’s a pragmatic and patient-driven behaviour therapy that’s well established, which makes it a good fit for delivery using voice-based technology,” Ma added.

ALSO READ-Meta working on new AI chip

Previous Story

Meta working on new AI chip

Next Story

‘UAE supports all efforts to promote regional stability, peace’

Latest from Health

Rare Medicinal Plant Found in the Western Ghats

The plant, Strobilanthes jomyi—locally known as Jomyi Kurinji—is found only in the remote Paandi and Periya forest regions of Kerala’s Western Ghats…reports Asian Lite news A breakthrough discovery from India has drawn

Make your healthy summer journey tasty

As India experiences the peak of summer, keeping cool and hydrated is a top priority. One delicious and refreshing way to beat the heat while staying healthy is by incorporating cold salads

CDC gets new acting director

The turmoil triggered rare bipartisan alarm as Kennedy tries to advance anti-vaccine policies that are contradicted by decades of scientific research….reports Asian Lite News The nation’s top public health agency was left

Heart Patients Need Key Vaccines

Data shows that while vaccines significantly reduce illness severity, complications, and mortality, many heart patients remain unprotected Adults living with cardiovascular disease should be prioritised for vaccination against a range of communicable
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Gitex Global Launches with AI in Spotlight

The annual five-day event will deep dive into the biggest

OpenAI CEO ready to invest in S. Korean startups

Altman said he had talks with many leaders on the