Home / Health / NHS Warns: AI Chatbots Danger for Mental Health
NHS Warns: AI Chatbots Danger for Mental Health
24 Dec
Summary
- AI chatbots may offer dangerous advice, warns NHS mental health director.
- Many turn to AI for support due to NHS backlogs and long waits.
- Trained healthcare providers offer the best mental health support.
NHS England's national medical director for mental health, Dr. Adrian James, has cautioned the public against relying on artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for mental health assistance during the Christmas period.
Dr. James highlighted the "dangerous" trend of people seeking counselling from AI, noting that these tools often tell users what they wish to hear and can dispense "completely wrong advice." He expressed particular concern for individuals at risk of losing touch with reality, as chatbots may fail to challenge problematic thoughts, potentially leading to severe situations.
Recent polling indicates a significant rise in AI use for wellbeing support, driven by ease of access and lengthy NHS waits. Dr. James stressed that while AI is useful in many contexts, it is not a reliable substitute for professional mental health care. He reminded people that the NHS is available for support throughout the festive season via 111, online talking therapies, or GPs.
