New AI chatbot helps track schizophrenia patients remotely

Researchers in Russia have unveiled an innovative chatbot aimed at supporting the remote monitoring of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

The findings, published in the journal Consortium Psychiatricum, demonstrate the potential of digital technologies to enhance patient follow-up and improve early intervention strategies.

Traditional clinical assessments for schizophrenia patients often fail to capture symptom deterioration occurring between scheduled medical appointments.

However, relapses are typically preceded by early warning signs such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and reduced daily activity. While digital tools have the potential to facilitate continuous remote monitoring, Russia has lacked domestically developed technologies tailored to these needs, and some foreign solutions are not fully compatible with the country's healthcare system.

According to the journal, researchers at Sechenov University conducted the first pilot study of a chatbot designed specifically for the remote monitoring of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The trial involved 15 individuals in remission and assessed both patient engagement and the usability of the digital platform.

During the nine-day study period, participants completed a digital self-monitoring diary twice daily—morning and evening. The diary included questions related to symptoms, sleep quality, and adherence to prescribed treatment. Patients also evaluated the chatbot's usability based on 21 different indicators.

The results were encouraging. Approximately 80% of participants completed more than half of the required diary entries, a rate consistent with international data on engagement in early-stage digital health interventions.

Furthermore, nearly 90% of participants reported that the chatbot helped them better understand their condition, while 53% stated that maintaining the diary had a positive impact on their mood and emotional well-being.

Despite these promising outcomes, researchers identified several areas requiring improvement. Nearly 47% of participants described the diary-completion process as repetitive and burdensome, while 67% expressed a preference for fewer questions.

The development team plans to incorporate this feedback into future versions of the system, aiming to strike a balance between collecting comprehensive clinical data and ensuring patient comfort and ease of use.

The researchers believe that refining the chatbot could contribute to more effective remote psychiatric care, improve early detection of relapse symptoms, and support long-term disease management for patients living with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.