Examining the role of artificial intelligence to advance knowledge and address barriers to research in eating disorders

Objective: To provide a brief overview of artificial intelligence (AI) application within the field of eating disorders (EDs) and propose focused solutions for research. Method: An overview and summary of AI application pertinent to EDs with focus on AI's ability to address issues relating to data sharing and pooling (and associated privacy concerns), data augmentation, as well as bias within datasets is provided. Results: In addition to clinical applications, AI can utilize useful tools to help combat commonly encountered challenges in ED research, including issues relating to low prevalence of specific subpopulations of patients, small overall sample sizes, and bias within datasets. Discussion: There is tremendous potential to embed and utilize various facets of artificial intelligence (AI) to help improve our understanding of EDs and further evaluate and investigate questions that ultimately seek to improve outcomes. Beyond the technology, issues relating to regulation of AI, establishing ethical guidelines for its application, and the trust of providers and patients are all needed for ultimate adoption and acceptance into ED practice. Public Significance: Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a promise of significant potential within the realm of eating disorders (EDs) and encompasses a broad set of techniques that offer utility in various facets of ED research and by extension delivery of clinical care. Beyond the technology, issues relating to regulation, establishing ethical guidelines for application, and the trust of providers and patients are needed for the ultimate adoption and acceptance of AI into ED practice.