Creating a chatbot to support mental health for new mothers
Development of an empathetic chatbot to monitor perinatal mental health longitudinally
This study is testing a friendly mobile app with a chatbot that helps moms check in on their mental health during and after pregnancy, offering support and connecting them to a professional if they need extra help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Poisera, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11236607 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a mobile health app that features a chatbot designed to monitor and support the mental health of women during and after pregnancy. The chatbot engages mothers in daily reflections and prompts them to complete validated screenings for perinatal mood disorders (PMDs). If a mother shows signs of PMD, the app connects her to a behavioral health clinician for assessment and treatment coordination. This approach aims to provide real-time support and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women or new mothers experiencing symptoms of perinatal mood disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or who do not have children may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification and treatment of perinatal mood disorders, enhancing the mental health of mothers and the well-being of their children.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using digital tools for mental health monitoring, indicating that this approach has potential for effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- Poisera, INC. — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kerppola, Marianna — Poisera, INC.
- Study coordinator: Kerppola, Marianna
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 below.