World-first AI trial shows mental health app can ease university student distress
Researchers from Deakin University, Black Dog Institute and UNSW have published the findings from the world’s first AI-optimised trials testing digital mental health interventions for university students experiencing psychological distress in JAMA Open Network.
The paper, Brief Digital Interventions for Psychological Distress, has been published in JAMA Open Network and outlines the protocol and findings of the first-of-its-kind Vibe Up study.
Using a world-first AI-enhanced adaptive trial design, the research team tested three brief, self-guided smartphone-based interventions to reduce psychological distress in university students: physical activity, mindfulness, and sleep hygiene against an active control.
A total of 1,282 participants were assigned using a contextual multi-armed bandit algorithm, enhancing adaptive trial design.
- Physical activity and mindfulness were most effective for students experiencing severe distress.
- Physical activity and sleep hygiene showed the greatest benefit for those with mild distress.
- No significant differences were found between interventions for moderate distress, highlighting the need for further tailored options.
- The trial’s innovative algorithm reduced control group allocation, improving efficiency.
- Findings support personalised mental health approaches based on distress severity.
Professor Sunil Gupta from Deakin Applied Artificial Intelligence Initiative said the study demonstrates the potential to personalise mental health care at scale.
‘Our algorithm learns as it goes, sending each person to the treatments that show the most promise for them. This helps researchers quickly figure out which interventions will work best for that individual.
‘This novel trial methodology reduces the need for large control groups, meaning more participants received personalised interventions when they needed them.’
Professor Jill Newby from the Black Dog Institute and UNSW said that this is the first time AI has been used to match digital mental health tools to students’ individual needs.
‘We were able to learn, in real time, which brief programs worked best for different levels of distress — so we can deliver faster, more effective and personalised support.’
The trial was delivered through the Vibe Up smartphone app. Dr Leonard Hoon from Deakin Applied AI said the study was supported on the Conductor platform, a novel platform designed to enable AI-enhanced adaptive trials.
Research collaboration with Black Dog Institute and UNSW on the use of artificial intelligence to personalise depression treatment is continuing under the Centre for Research Excellence in Depression Treatment Precision.