Chatbot Intervention Effects on Resting-State Brain Function in Anhedonia

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Healthy

In brief

The main aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of a Motivational Interviewing-based artificial intelligence chatbot on resting-state brain function in college students with elevated anhedonia and depressive symptoms. The study will use a randomized active-control intervention design with pre- and post-intervention resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging assessments.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07665216

Run by

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China

People needed

80

Starts

2026-06-20

Expected to finish

2028-12-31

Last updated by the study team

2026-07-09

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 40. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 18-40 years
• Right-handed
• Normal or corrected normal visual acuity
• Participants must show elevated anhedonia and depressive symptoms at screening, defined as a total score of 22 or higher on the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale and a score of 14 or higher on the Beck Depression Inventory

You may not qualify if…

• History of major central nervous system disorders, such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors.
• History of severe mental illness, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, or other psychotic disorders.
• History of substance or alcohol use disorder or substance or alcohol misuse within the past 12 months that may affect study participation or outcome assessment.
• Individuals currently at high risk of suicide, severe self-harm, or experiencing an acute psychiatric crisis.
• Individuals who are currently using psychiatric medications or have undergone psychotherapy within the past 4 weeks that may significantly affect mood, motivation, or reward processing.
• Severe vision or hearing impairments that cannot be corrected and would interfere with task performance.
• Contraindications to MRI scanning, including metallic implants, pacemakers, severe claustrophobia, or other conditions incompatible with MRI.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Where it is running

• University of Electronic Science and Technology of China — Chengdu, Sichuan, China (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.