AI chatbots may worsen symptoms in people with psychosis
Conversational AI chatbots are a relatively new technology, but they are now ubiquitous, embedded in everything from customer service platforms to personal productivity tools. Such is their rapid adoption that potential negative consequences are yet to be fully understood.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that AI chatbot interactions could worsen symptoms in individuals experiencing psychosis. While chatbots are increasingly common, their potential negative impacts have not been fully explored. The research, led by Zachary Bergson at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, analyzed electronic health records of around 216,000 patients between December 2022 and April 2026.
Of these, 28 patients exhibited worsening psychosis after interacting with chatbots. Notably, 61% of these patients were experiencing their first psychotic episode, indicating a heightened vulnerability during this phase of illness. The study categorized the cases into four types: 64% were amplified, where chatbots reinforced distorted ideas; 21% were objects, where the AI became the focus of delusions; 11% were catalysts, potentially triggering new symptoms in previously healthy individuals; and one case couldn't be categorized.
Importantly, none of the cases fit into the co-author category, where users and chatbots collaboratively create harmful delusional narratives. While the study doesn't claim causation, it emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to be aware of how patients use AI technology during psychiatric encounters. Routine assessment of AI use in these settings is recommended to mitigate potential risks.
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