An Exploratory Investigation of Chatbot Applications in Anxiety Management: A Focus on Personalized Interventions
Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, causing significant personal and societal burdens. Traditional therapies, while effective, often face barriers such as limited accessibility, high costs, and the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. The e...
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2024-12-01
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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 |
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| description | Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, causing significant personal and societal burdens. Traditional therapies, while effective, often face barriers such as limited accessibility, high costs, and the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots offers a novel solution by providing accessible, cost-effective, and immediate support for individuals experiencing anxiety. This comprehensive review examines the evolution, efficacy, advantages, limitations, challenges, and future perspectives of AI chatbots in the treatment of anxiety disorders. A methodologically rigorous literature search was conducted across multiple databases, focusing on publications from 2010 to 2024 that evaluated AI chatbot interventions targeting anxiety symptoms. Empirical studies demonstrate that AI chatbots can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms by delivering therapeutic interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy through interactive and personalized dialogues. The advantages include increased accessibility without geographical or temporal limitations, reduced costs, and an anonymity that encourages openness and reduces stigma. However, limitations persist, such as the lack of human empathy, ethical and privacy concerns related to data security, and technical challenges in understanding complex human emotions. The key challenges identified involve enhancing the emotional intelligence of chatbots, integrating them with traditional therapy, and establishing robust ethical frameworks to ensure user safety and data protection. Future research should focus on improving AI capabilities, personalization, cultural adaptation, and user engagement. In conclusion, AI chatbots represent a promising adjunct in treating anxiety disorders, offering scalable interventions that can complement traditional mental health services. Balancing technological innovation with ethical responsibility is crucial to maximize their potential benefits. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a3a7457d10e142379d80ded89a4fa59c |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2078-2489 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-a3a7457d10e142379d80ded89a4fa59c2025-01-24T13:35:08ZengMDPI AGInformation2078-24892024-12-011611110.3390/info16010011An Exploratory Investigation of Chatbot Applications in Anxiety Management: A Focus on Personalized InterventionsAlexia 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 are among the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, causing significant personal and societal burdens. Traditional therapies, while effective, often face barriers such as limited accessibility, high costs, and the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots offers a novel solution by providing accessible, cost-effective, and immediate support for individuals experiencing anxiety. This comprehensive review examines the evolution, efficacy, advantages, limitations, challenges, and future perspectives of AI chatbots in the treatment of anxiety disorders. A methodologically rigorous literature search was conducted across multiple databases, focusing on publications from 2010 to 2024 that evaluated AI chatbot interventions targeting anxiety symptoms. Empirical studies demonstrate that AI chatbots can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms by delivering therapeutic interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy through interactive and personalized dialogues. The advantages include increased accessibility without geographical or temporal limitations, reduced costs, and an anonymity that encourages openness and reduces stigma. However, limitations persist, such as the lack of human empathy, ethical and privacy concerns related to data security, and technical challenges in understanding complex human emotions. The key challenges identified involve enhancing the emotional intelligence of chatbots, integrating them with traditional therapy, and establishing robust ethical frameworks to ensure user safety and data protection. Future research should focus on improving AI capabilities, personalization, cultural adaptation, and user engagement. In conclusion, AI chatbots represent a promising adjunct in treating anxiety disorders, offering scalable interventions that can complement traditional mental health services. Balancing technological innovation with ethical responsibility is crucial to maximize their potential benefits.https://www.mdpi.com/2078-2489/16/1/11AI chatbotsanxiety disordersmental health interventionscognitive-behavioral therapyethical challenges in AIpersonalized support systems |
| spellingShingle | Alexia Manole Răzvan Cârciumaru Rodica Brînzaș Felicia Manole An Exploratory Investigation of Chatbot Applications in Anxiety Management: A Focus on Personalized Interventions Information AI chatbots anxiety disorders mental health interventions cognitive-behavioral therapy ethical challenges in AI personalized support systems |
| title | An Exploratory Investigation of Chatbot Applications in Anxiety Management: A Focus on Personalized Interventions |
| title_full | An Exploratory Investigation of Chatbot Applications in Anxiety Management: A Focus on Personalized Interventions |
| title_fullStr | An Exploratory Investigation of Chatbot Applications in Anxiety Management: A Focus on Personalized Interventions |
| title_full_unstemmed | An Exploratory Investigation of Chatbot Applications in Anxiety Management: A Focus on Personalized Interventions |
| title_short | An Exploratory Investigation of Chatbot Applications in Anxiety Management: A Focus on Personalized Interventions |
| title_sort | exploratory investigation of chatbot applications in anxiety management a focus on personalized interventions |
| topic | AI chatbots anxiety disorders mental health interventions cognitive-behavioral therapy ethical challenges in AI personalized support systems |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2078-2489/16/1/11 |
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