AI-Powered Vibe Up Trial: Transforming Mental Healthcare for University Students
A groundbreaking trial, led by Professor Helen Christensen from the University of NSW and computer scientist Professor Svetha Venkatesh from Deakin University, aims to revolutionize mental healthcare for university students using AI technology. With the goal of reducing psychological distress, especially during exam time, the trial utilizes a smartphone app called Vibe Up to deliver tailored mental health therapies to participating students. This innovative approach could potentially transform the way mental health is addressed in educational settings.
Psychological distress among university students is a pressing issue that can have detrimental effects on their academic performance and overall well-being. Research indicates that students experiencing distress are more likely to perform poorly, drop out, indulge in unhealthy habits such as increased alcohol and cigarette use, and even face an increased risk of suicide. Finding the most effective mental health therapy for each student is a significant challenge, as it often requires trying multiple therapies before the right one is discovered.
This is where AI comes into play. AI’s ability to process vast amounts of diverse information allows it to uncover connections that traditional statistical and data models may miss. Professor Christensen explains, AI can identify characteristics of students that might predict their reaction to different therapies. By harnessing this potential, the Vibe Up trial seeks to determine which mental health treatments are most effective for individuals based on their level of psychological distress.
The Vibe Up trial offers three different therapies to participating students: mindfulness, physical activity, and sleep hygiene. A control group is also included for comparison, where students using the app only report how they feel. Over a two-week period, the trial measures the reduction in psychological distress using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales questionnaire. Additionally, the researchers aim to identify which therapy works the fastest and which is most beneficial for each individual.
To expedite the trial and achieve more efficient results, Professor Christensen and Professor Venkatesh rely on AI algorithms. These algorithms analyze the data obtained from a series of mini-trials and adapt the treatment allocation accordingly. As Professor Venkatesh explains, Our algorithm allocates more people to treatments that are working well, allowing it to differentiate the best treatment faster. Surprisingly, the trial findings challenge the beliefs of many clinicians, revealing that physical activity and mindfulness can be effective even for severe psychological distress.
The Vibe Up trial represents a new model for digital mental healthcare that could potentially match the outcomes of brief face-to-face treatments. By providing therapy when students need it most, using AI to tailor treatments on an individual level, and ultimately increasing treatment adherence and overall outcomes, digital mental healthcare becomes more accessible and effective. Professor Christensen concludes, Using AI, we can deliver a therapy that is more likely to work for each person. As a result, students are more likely to stick to the treatment and have better outcomes.
The Medical Research Future Fund has recognized the significance of this research and awarded $4.995 million to support the study titled Optimizing treatments in mental health using AI. With Vibe Up as a promising solution for transforming mental healthcare in educational settings, the potential for AI to revolutionize mental health treatment is becoming increasingly evident. This innovative approach has the capacity to empower university students to overcome psychological challenges and thrive academically and personally.
