Can AI-assisted therapy (PARO robot) be a treatment option for children hospitalised in an acute mental health ward?

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess changes that occur in the behavioural and emotional sphere in psychiatrically hospitalised children with serious self-aggressive tendencies after therapy using interaction with the PARO therapeutic robot.

Methods: The study is of a pilot and observational nature. It was carried out over the course of three weeks. It included patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital due to threats to life and health, who were divided, by randomisation, into an experimental group (working with the PARO robot) and a control group (working with a plush toy). The methods used were related to both external observation and children's self-description.

Results: The results suggest that interaction with the PARO robot can increase positive and decrease negative emotions. This is also related to the increase in the number of interactions between children.

Conclusions: The study results encourage further activities in the area of introducing artificial intelligence as a therapeutic potential that can be used by children with mental disorders hospitalised due to threats to life and health.