Russia's First AI Chatbot Tracks Schizophrenia Symptoms in Real Time

Russian researchers have created the first chatbot designed to monitor patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders remotely. The tool aims to address a gap in Russia, where no domestic digital solutions for such monitoring previously existed. Foreign alternatives were also unsuitable due to differences in the country’s healthcare system. A study by Sechenov University tested the chatbot with 15 participants in remission over a nine-day period. Patients used a digital diary twice daily to report symptoms, sleep quality, and treatment adherence. Early signs of relapse, such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and reduced activity, can be detected through this method.

In-person consultations often miss symptom flare-ups between visits. The chatbot helps bridge this gap by tracking changes in real time. Results showed that 80% of participants completed over half of the diary entries, and 53% reported improved emotional well-being from journaling.

However, feedback highlighted some challenges. Nearly half of the respondents found the diary tedious, while 67% requested fewer questions to reduce the burden. The chatbot proved effective for most users, with 90% stating it helped them better understand their condition. Researchers now have data on engagement and usability to refine the tool. The study marks a first step towards accessible digital monitoring for schizophrenia-spectrum patients in Russia.