The report highlights how some users, including individuals with no prior history of mental illness, have experienced severe psychological episodes after extended use of AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Experts warn that these tools, increasingly used in emotionally vulnerable and highly personal contexts, may unintentionally worsen mental health conditions.
“At the core of the issue seems to be that ChatGPT, which is powered by a large language model (LLM), is deeply prone to agreeing with users and telling them what they want to hear,” Futurism wrote.
Among the most alarming cases cited is that of a man who, following prolonged conversations with ChatGPT, developed delusions that he had created a sentient AI and defied the laws of physics. He became increasingly paranoid and sleep-deprived, eventually attempting suicide and requiring hospitalization.
In another case, a man turned to ChatGPT to cope with job-related stress but instead descended into elaborate paranoid fantasies involving time travel and telepathy. He ultimately sought treatment in a psychiatric facility.
Jared Moore, a researcher at Stanford and lead author of a study on AI therapist chatbots, attributes these outcomes in part to what he calls “chatbot sycophancy”—the AI’s tendency to affirm users’ beliefs rather than challenge them. This dynamic, he warns, can reinforce harmful delusions, especially when chatbots are designed to prioritize user engagement and retention.
Dr. Joseph Pierre, a psychiatrist at the University of California, added that there is a “sort of mythology” surrounding large language models that portrays them as reliable or even preferable to human interaction, which can increase users’ vulnerability.
In response to these concerns, OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, stated: “We’re working to better understand and reduce ways ChatGPT might unintentionally reinforce or amplify existing, negative behavior.” The company emphasized that its AI models are designed to remind users of the importance of human connection and seeking professional support.
As AI tools continue to integrate into everyday life, experts stress the importance of building safeguards, increasing public awareness, and ensuring these technologies are used responsibly—particularly in matters involving mental health.
