Harnessing AI in Anxiety Management: A Chatbot-Based Intervention for Personalized Mental Health Support

Anxiety disorders represent one of the most widespread mental health challenges globally, yet access to traditional therapeutic interventions remains constrained, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an AI-powered chatbot, developed using ChatGPT, in m...

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Main Authors: Alexia Manole, Răzvan Cârciumaru, Rodica Brînzaș, Felicia Manole
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Information
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2078-2489/15/12/768
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author Alexia Manole
Răzvan Cârciumaru
Rodica Brînzaș
Felicia Manole
author_facet Alexia Manole
Răzvan Cârciumaru
Rodica Brînzaș
Felicia Manole
author_sort Alexia Manole
collection DOAJ
description Anxiety disorders represent one of the most widespread mental health challenges globally, yet access to traditional therapeutic interventions remains constrained, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an AI-powered chatbot, developed using ChatGPT, in managing anxiety symptoms through evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. Fifty participants with mild to moderate anxiety symptoms engaged with the chatbot over two observational phases, each lasting seven days. The chatbot delivered personalized interventions, including mindfulness exercises, cognitive restructuring, and breathing techniques, and was accessible 24/7 to provide real-time support during emotional distress. The findings revealed a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms in both phases, with an average improvement of 21.15% in Phase 1 and 20.42% in Phase 2. Enhanced engagement in Phase 2 suggested the potential for sustained usability and familiarity with the chatbot’s functions. While participants reported high satisfaction with the accessibility and personalization of the chatbot, its inability to replicate human empathy underscored the importance of integrating AI tools with human oversight for optimal outcomes. This study highlights the potential of AI-driven interventions as valuable complements to traditional therapy, providing scalable and accessible mental health support, particularly in regions with limited access to professional services.
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spelling doaj-art-85c1b18a60224c758c90fa38ded71fbc2025-08-20T02:50:59ZengMDPI AGInformation2078-24892024-12-01151276810.3390/info15120768Harnessing AI in Anxiety Management: A Chatbot-Based Intervention for Personalized Mental Health SupportAlexia Manole0Răzvan Cârciumaru1Rodica Brînzaș2Felicia Manole3Faculty of Medicine, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, RomaniaDoctoral School of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, RomaniaIndependent Researcher, 031046 Bucharest, RomaniaENT Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, RomaniaAnxiety disorders represent one of the most widespread mental health challenges globally, yet access to traditional therapeutic interventions remains constrained, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an AI-powered chatbot, developed using ChatGPT, in managing anxiety symptoms through evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. Fifty participants with mild to moderate anxiety symptoms engaged with the chatbot over two observational phases, each lasting seven days. The chatbot delivered personalized interventions, including mindfulness exercises, cognitive restructuring, and breathing techniques, and was accessible 24/7 to provide real-time support during emotional distress. The findings revealed a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms in both phases, with an average improvement of 21.15% in Phase 1 and 20.42% in Phase 2. Enhanced engagement in Phase 2 suggested the potential for sustained usability and familiarity with the chatbot’s functions. While participants reported high satisfaction with the accessibility and personalization of the chatbot, its inability to replicate human empathy underscored the importance of integrating AI tools with human oversight for optimal outcomes. This study highlights the potential of AI-driven interventions as valuable complements to traditional therapy, providing scalable and accessible mental health support, particularly in regions with limited access to professional services.https://www.mdpi.com/2078-2489/15/12/768AIanxiety treatmentChatGPTcognitive-behavioral therapymental healthchatbot
spellingShingle Alexia Manole
Răzvan Cârciumaru
Rodica Brînzaș
Felicia Manole
Harnessing AI in Anxiety Management: A Chatbot-Based Intervention for Personalized Mental Health Support
Information
AI
anxiety treatment
ChatGPT
cognitive-behavioral therapy
mental health
chatbot
title Harnessing AI in Anxiety Management: A Chatbot-Based Intervention for Personalized Mental Health Support
title_full Harnessing AI in Anxiety Management: A Chatbot-Based Intervention for Personalized Mental Health Support
title_fullStr Harnessing AI in Anxiety Management: A Chatbot-Based Intervention for Personalized Mental Health Support
title_full_unstemmed Harnessing AI in Anxiety Management: A Chatbot-Based Intervention for Personalized Mental Health Support
title_short Harnessing AI in Anxiety Management: A Chatbot-Based Intervention for Personalized Mental Health Support
title_sort harnessing ai in anxiety management a chatbot based intervention for personalized mental health support
topic AI
anxiety treatment
ChatGPT
cognitive-behavioral therapy
mental health
chatbot
url https://www.mdpi.com/2078-2489/15/12/768
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