Chatbot-based mental health app for middle-aged and older adults with depression or anxiety and chronic pain
Official title: Digital mental health intervention for middle-aged and older adults with depression and/or anxiety and coexisting chronic pain
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11258556 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests a chatbot and coach-based app adapted to help middle-aged and older adults who have depression or anxiety alongside chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | March 4, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $887,700 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131989-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11258556 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are middle-aged or older adults who have depression and/or anxiety together with chronic pain and are willing to use a smartphone app or digital tools.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not have chronic pain, who are unable or unwilling to use smartphone apps, or who need urgent psychiatric or pain intervention may not benefit from this app-based approach.
What this research studies
This project partners with Wysa and Washington University to adapt a mental health app so it fits the needs of middle-aged and older adults who also live with chronic pain. The app combines chatbot-delivered cognitive behavioral tools, mindfulness, behavioral activation, pain acceptance strategies, and sleep support with optional human coaching. Researchers will refine the app’s design for older users and follow participants using the app to track mood, pain coping, and sleep over time. Participation will likely include using the app, giving feedback, and sharing symptom and usage information.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the adapted app could make it easier for middle-aged and older adults with chronic pain to access helpful mental health and pain-coping tools and reduce depression and anxiety symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Digital mental health apps have reduced depression and anxiety in many populations, but versions specifically tailored for older adults with coexisting chronic pain are relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Abby Ling-Lee — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Abby Ling-Lee
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.