Can a chatbot help with anhedonia and depression?
This study tests whether a friendly chatbot can help people with anhedonia (loss of pleasure) and depression update their beliefs in a more positive way. You'll interact with the chatbot and may have an MRI scan to see how your brain responds.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You are between 18 and 40 years old.
- You are right-handed.
- You have normal or corrected vision (glasses/contacts are fine).
- You have been feeling less pleasure than usual (anhedonia) and have depressive symptoms — scores on two questionnaires will confirm this.
- You do not have a history of serious brain conditions, severe mental illness, substance abuse, or current risk of suicide.
- You are not currently taking psychiatric medication or receiving therapy that would affect mood, and you are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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