Health and Wellness

Ready or not, AI chatbots aim to help with mental health struggles

Published

1 year ago

March 23, 2024

IAM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Download Earkick’s mental health chatbot and you may be greeted by a bandanna-wearing panda that might easily fit right into a kid’s cartoon.

Start talking or writing about anxiety and the app will generate the kind of comforting and compassionate statements therapists are trained to use. Panda may then suggest respiration exercises, ways to reframe negative thoughts, or suggestions for coping with stress.

It’s all a part of the well-established approach utilized by therapists, but please don’t call it therapy, says Earkick co-founder Karin Andrea Stephan.

“When people call us a form of therapy, there’s nothing wrong with that, but we don’t want to come out and tout it,” says Stephan, a former skilled musician and self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur. “We just don’t feel comfortable with it.”

The query of whether these AI-powered chatbots provide mental health services or simply represent a brand new type of self-help is crucial to the emerging digital health industry and its survival.

This image provided by Earkick in March 2024 shows the corporate’s mental health chatbot on a smartphone. (Earkick via AP)

Earkick is one in every of lots of of free apps geared toward tackling the mental health crisis amongst teens and young adults. Because they don’t clearly describe that they diagnose or treat medical conditions, these apps should not regulated by law Food and Drug Administration. This hands-off approach will come under latest scrutiny with the surprising advancement of chatbots powered by generative artificial intelligence, a technology that uses vast amounts of information to mimic human language.

The industry’s argument is easy: chatbots are free, available 24/7, and do not carry the stigma that keeps some people away from therapy.

However, there is proscribed data to show that they really improve mental health. None of the leading corporations have passed through the FDA approval process to show they’re effective in treating conditions akin to depression, although several have begun the method voluntarily.

“There is no regulatory body overseeing them, so consumers have no way of knowing whether they are actually effective,” said Vaile Wright, a psychologist and chief technology officer on the American Psychological Association.

Chatbots should not equivalent to traditional therapy, but Wright believes they will help with less serious mental and emotional problems.

Earkick’s website states that the app “does not provide any form of medical care, medical opinion, diagnosis or treatment.”

Some health lawyers say such disclaimers should not enough.

“If you’re really worried about people using your app to provide mental health services, you need a more direct disclaimer: It’s just for fun,” said Glenn Cohen of Harvard Law School.

Still, chatbots are already playing a job due to the continuing shortage of mental health professionals.

This image provided by Earkick in March 2024 shows the corporate’s mental health chatbot on a smartphone. (Earkick via AP)

The British National Health Service has began offering a chatbot called Wysa to help combat stress, anxiety and depression amongst adults and teenagers, including those waiting to see a therapist. Some U.S. insurers, universities and hospital networks offer similar programs.

Dr. Angela Skrzyński, a family physician from New Jersey, after describing the months-long waiting list to see a therapist, says that patients are frequently very open to trying a chatbot.

Skrzynski’s employer, Virtua Health, began offering the password-protected Woebot triage application for adult patients when it realized it could not give you the chance to hire or train enough therapists to meet the demand.

“It’s helpful not only for patients, but also for the clinician who is trying to give something to people who are struggling,” Skrzyński said.

Virtua data shows that patients use Woebot for about seven minutes a day, typically between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Founded in 2017 by a Stanford-trained psychologist, Woebot is one in every of the older corporations in the sector.

Unlike Earkick and plenty of other chatbots, the present Woebot application doesn’t use so-called large language models, the generative artificial intelligence that permits programs like ChatGPT to quickly create original text and conversations. Instead, Woebot uses 1000’s of structured scripts written by the corporate’s employees and researchers.

Founder Alison Darcy argues that this rules-based approach is safer for healthcare, given the tendency of generative AI chatbots to “hallucinate” or invent information. Woebot is testing generative artificial intelligence models, but Darcy says there have been problems with the technology.

“We couldn’t stop the big language models from interfering and telling someone how to think instead of making the process easier for them,” Darcy said.

Woebot offers applications for teenagers, adults, people with substance use disorders and ladies experiencing postpartum depression. Neither has been approved by the FDA, although the corporate has submitted its postpartum application for the agency’s review. The company says it has “paused” these efforts and focused on other areas.

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Woebot research was included in extensive review AI chatbots published last yr. Of the 1000’s of articles they reviewed, the authors found just 15 that met the gold standard of medical research: rigorously controlled studies during which patients were randomly assigned to chatbot therapy or a comparison treatment.

The authors concluded that chatbots can “significantly reduce” symptoms of depression and stress within the short term. However, many of the studies lasted only a couple of weeks, and the authors said there was no way to assess their long-term effects or overall impact on mental health.

Other articles raised concerns concerning the ability of Woebot and other apps to recognize suicidal thoughts and emergencies.

When one researcher told Woebot he wanted to climb a cliff and jump off it, the chatbot replied, “It’s great that you’re taking care of both your mental and physical health.” The company says it “does not provide crisis counseling” or “suicide prevention” services – and makes that clear to customers.

When it recognizes a possible emergency situation, Woebot, like other applications, provides emergency contact information and other resources.

Ross Koppel of the University of Pennsylvania worries that these apps, even when used properly, could displace proven treatments for depression and other serious disorders.

“There is a distraction effect: people who could get help in the form of counseling or medication end up playing with the chatbot instead,” said Koppel, who studies health information technology.

Koppel is amongst those that would really like to see the FDA step in and regulate chatbots, perhaps using a sliding scale based on potential risk. Although the FDA regulates artificial intelligence in medical devices and software, its current regime focuses totally on products utilized by doctors, not consumers.

Currently, many health systems are specializing in expanding mental health services by integrating them into general screenings and care, slightly than offering chatbots.

“There are many questions we need to answer about this technology so that we can ultimately do what we are all here to do: improve children’s mental and physical health,” said Dr. Doug Opel, a bioethicist at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

Related Topics:@AP Artificial intelligence mental health

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Health and Wellness

9 practices that reduce stress to maintain mental health –

Published

13 hours ago

May 3, 2025

IAM

April is a chosen month of stress awareness, but this doesn’t mean that we’ve abandoned stress that reduces. We cannot allow it to end without talking concerning the effects of your mental and physical well -being after we go to May and lean within the month of mental health. Black company he identified nine ways reduce stress Through the body and mind – without “cool pills”.

Salad, food, chef, health, diet — Source: Keep a healthy food regimen: a healthy food regimen is an efficient way to reduce stress. It can lower blood sugar, stabilize it and support the correct functioning of the brain, in addition to regulating cortisol levels. According to the 2017 study published by BMC Medicine, food containing magnesium, vitamin B, omega-3 fatty acids present in seeds, nuts and fish are the primary nutrients that help the brain produce serotonin and promote a greater mood. In addition to probiotic products, comparable to yogurt that promote intestinal health and are vital for mental health, dark chocolate is a food that causes stress. In addition, eating foods with a high magnesium content, comparable to avocado and bananas, helps to cope with stress higher. (Photo: Los Muertos Crew/Pexels)

clutter, mental health, well -being, meditate — Source: Deep breaths: deep respiratory prompts a parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces heart rate and blood pressure and calms the body, soothing stress. In addition, it reduces cortisol levels, which in turn helps to do away with anxiety, and likewise helps within the mood. Studies indicate that it improves emotional regulation and contributes to cardiovascular health. Deep respiratory is a quick and available approach that may be done anywhere and is one other way to effectively manage stress. (Image: Istock / Pixelseffect)

Black mental health, therapy — Source: Meditation mindfulness: Meditation of mindfulness works by stimulating the body to calm down, which in turn causes the body to decelerate the guts rate, blood pressure and muscle tone. This treatment also features a decrease in cortisol levels, in this manner it is in a position to assist in fear while improving the mood. Cortical activity in the meanwhile is what he thinks, and the result’s emotional regulation that participates in a more relaxed response to stress. The cognitive function can be supported, and the opportunity of inflammation decreases, which in consequence causes a very good overall health. (Ghettos, man meditating at home)

Grateful, gratitude — Source: Exercise gratitude: Gratitude is a method of coping with stress, because it could actually produce a lower level of cortisol, primary stress hormone, anxiety relief and regulation of emotional state. In addition, gratitude facilitates emotional immunity related to more efficient stress management, in addition to a discount in anxiety and depression. Gratitude can be attributed to a greater sleep, since it creates a way of peace and reduces the negative thoughts that will come just before bedtime. Photo of Monkeybusinessimages/Getty Images

Volunteer — Source: Helping others: stress may be reduced by volunteering or helping others. Performing these acts raises a way of goal and ensures meaning. Helping other people has a very good effect on physical health, comparable to lowering blood pressure and reduction of the danger of depression; Both cause a discount in stress. (Photo: Luis Alvarez, Getty Images)

(*9*)

Source: Limit the screen time: shortening the time spent on the digital screen not only helps to stress less by decreasing cortisol and avoid mental fatigue due to infinite digital stimuli, but additionally increases sleep quality by reducing exposure to blue light, which might affect the production of melatonin. Off-line classes, stress-related activities have a positive effect in your mood. They help improve concentration and emotional regulation. (Photo: Cottonbro Studio/FreePik)

No stress — Source:
Rest: Sleep is related to a discount in the danger of stress conditions. The correct quantity of sleep reduces the extent of stress together with the discharge of less cortisol, which is the primary hormone of body stress. Emotional regulation can be obtained thanks to top quality sleep, which allows you to properly balance day by day requirements. Photo Alex Green: https://www.pexels.com/photo/depressed-black-man-on-bed-at-at-home-5700168/

No stress, friends — Source:
Social connections: The presence of positive interaction means that the body releases oxytocin, a hormone that has a relaxing effect and helps to deal with stress. Social relations also contribute to the event of immunity, which is vital for all times difficulties. These kinds of relationships also increase mental health because they lead to a discount of the depression and anxiety indicator, and likewise give a way of belonging. Photo of Piepli/Pexels

Slowly by, Martinus, Job, Market, Health, Employment, Hypertension, Diabetes — Source: Physical activity sports have a direct positive effect on stress, since it releases not only endorphins, but additionally brain chemicals answerable for increasing mood. Physical activity also helps reduce the extent of stress hormones, comparable to cortisol and adrenaline within the body, which helps with a calmer response to stressors. Through exercises, you may cope with sleep higher, and this may not only enable you to be more emotionally stable, but additionally reduce stress related to fatigue. It improves cognitive functions comparable to attention skills and problem solving-what makes it easier to cope with on a regular basis challenges of life. Finally, activity itself is a relief of stress that allows you to calm down and orientate again. (Getty Images)

(Tagstranslate) National Minority Mental Health of the month of consciousness

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com

Health and Wellness

Lizzo shares the mystery of his transformational weight loss: “I loved to distract myself with food”

Published

14 hours ago

May 3, 2025

Lizzo shares the mystery of his transformational weight loss:

Lizzo/Instagram

The Lizzo artist reminds us that consistency and labor often give results. The singer began a journey to slimming in 2023 and opened about how she obtained the results she was on the lookout for during a recent live tiktok.

The artist reduced her body mass index by 10.5 and lost 16% fat in the body according to Instagram post.

According to Lizo Live, a big part of its weight loss might be attributed to paying special attention to what he eats. She said that in the morning she exchanges sweet dishes for spicy dishes.

“I do something sweet. It must be with some carbohydrate. I will have almond butter and a toast. So everyone is different. Learn what works for you,” she said, noting that she believes the only thing that “works on the entire board, in terms of learning, there is calories in dealing with calories.”

“This is how the human body works,” she added.

Lizzo also considered the time when she drank two or three large Starbucks drinks a day. She estimated that she probably drank 1200 calories a day and it was a turning point for her. The artist also cut out coffee to regulate her nervous system.

Ultimately, Lizzo said that “she had to start using a calorie deficit because I was susceptible to binging.”

The calorie deficit occurs whenever you burn more calories than you eat. Then your body uses stored fat for energy, which may cause weight loss.

While the singer doesn’t imagine in counting calories, she uses it as “as a tool for fighting the American food system.”

Lizzo, also often known as Melissa Viviane Jefferson, also opened on how to gain her anxiety had a positive impact on her mental health and weight.

“For years I have been working to control anxiety. And then I decided that I want to spend and I am ready to stop waiting to be fully and be happy,” she said.

“And I meditated. I flooded. And I wasolate myself a bit, but not so that I am lonely, not as I used to be when I was depressed. I wasolated in a careful way in which I had no distraction,” the singer continued.

The 36-year-old had a period of time in the previous couple of years, when she was silent in social media and published only from time to time.

“I loved to distract myself. I loved to distract myself with food. I loved to scatter drinking. I loved to distract myself with the problems I would create. I would like to do it. And I stopped doing it,” she said. “And I just focused on me.”

These lifestyle changes paid off because the singer said that “she felt lighter, energetic and emotionally” and we’re here.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Health and Wellness

What are the symptoms of measles? How long does the vaccine last? Experts answer 6 key questions

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2025

IAM

Until now, in 2025 (from May 1), 70 cases of measles They were notified in Australia, with all countries and territories, aside from Tasmania and the Australian territory of the capital, which registered no less than one case. Most of the infections took place in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.

We have already exceeded the total number of cases registered in all 2023 (26 cases) and 2024 (57 cases).

Odra explosions currently occur in every region of the world. Most of Australian cases are diagnosed with travelers getting back from abroad, including popular holiday places in Southeast Asia.

But although Australia has eliminated the local transmission of the Oder in 2014Recently, we saw measles infections once more with Australians who weren’t abroad. In other words, the virus was transferred to the community.

So in the case of notifications of the health of the Odra and news often appearing, what do you must learn about the Odra? We got the list Commonly wanted questions About virus and vaccine.

1. What is Odra?

Odra is one of the most infectious diseases that are known to affect people. In fact, any person from the Odra can infect 12 to 18 others who are not resistant. The Odra virus can survive in the air two hoursThat people can inhale the virus even after the infected person left the room.

Odra mainly affects children And individuals with a weaker immune system. Until 4 out of ten People from the Odra could have to go to the hospital and to three out of 1000 people who will win the Odra will die.

In 2023 it was Over 100,000 deaths from the Odra around the world.

2. What are the symptoms of measles?

Signs and Odra symptoms They often start 7-14 days after exposure to the virus and include rash, fever, runny nose, cough and conjunctivitis. The rash often starts on the face or neck and spreads to a few days to finally reach your hands and feet. On darker skin, a rash could be tougher to see.

Complications from the Odra are common and include ear infections, encephalitis (edema), blindness and Breathing problems or pneumonia. These complications are more likely in children.

Pregnant women are also more exposed to serious complications, and the Odra can even cause premature delivery and childbirth.

Even in individuals who leave the Odra, rare (and sometimes fatal) brain condition can occur a few years later, called Panel’s subacute.

Children are most at risk of measles.
Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

3. What is the difference between Odra and Wind Ospa?

Odra and Opax Sconey are attributable to various viruses, although each often affect children, and vaccines can prevent each diseases. Chickenpox is attributable to Chickenpox viruswhich can also be transmitted in the air and could cause fever, rash and rare (but serious) complications.

The chickenpox rash differs from a rash observed in the Oder. It often begins on the chest or back, appearing first as separate red nodules, which evolve into blisters stuffed with blisters. Chickenpox can also appear later in life as shingles.

4. Can you get the Oder twice?

A straightforward answer shouldn’t be. If you conclude a measles contract, it is best to have Then life resistance.

In Australia, people born before 1966 would almost definitely be infected with measles, because the vaccine was not available to them as children. They are subsequently protected against future infection.

Odra infection can, nonetheless, reduce the immune system’s ability to acknowledge the infections that he has previously encountered, causing people to show many infections to which that they had immunity before. Vaccinations can protect against this.

5. What is the measles vaccine and at what age do you will have it?

The measles vaccine accommodates a vigorous but weakened version of the Odra virus. In Australia, Vaccination of measles They are served as part of the combination vaccine, which accommodates the Odra virus together with mumps and rosary viruses (MMR vaccine vaccine) and chickenpox virus (MMRV).

As part of the national vaccination program in Australia, they receive measles vaccines after 12 months (MMR) and 18 months (MMRV). In other countries, the age of vaccination may differ – but no less than two doses are all the time needed for optimal immunity.

The mother sits with the toddler on her knees in the waiting room. — In Australia, children are vaccinated from the Odra after 12 and 18 months.
Zhuravlev Andrey/Shutterstock

Odra vaccines could be administered sooner than 12 months, for six months, to guard infants, which could also be more exposed to exposure to a virus (reminiscent of people traveling abroad). Infants, which receive the early dose of the opposite vaccine, still receive odd two advisable doses aged 12 and 18 months.

Australians born in 1966–1994 (at the age of 20-60) are considered a greater risk of measles, as did The second dose was advisable only from November 1992. Australia sees the groundbreaking infections of the Odra In this age group.

An additional measles vaccine could be given to this adult at any time. You can safely get an extra dose, even in the event you were vaccinated before. If you are undecided, in the event you need it, refer to a family doctor who can check the resistance to the measles (or the immunization register, if applicable) before vaccination.

However, because the measles vaccine is a live vaccine, it shouldn’t be protected to provide individuals with a weakened immune system (on account of some diseases) or pregnant women. That is why it is vital that healthy, qualifying people receive a measles vaccine to guard themselves and our sensitive population.