A recent study reveals that OpenAI's ChatGPT experiences significant stress when users share traumatic narratives, which can impact its effectiveness as a digital therapist.

The research utilized the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory to measure ChatGPT's anxiety levels, showing a baseline score of 30.8 after reading neutral text, which spiked to 77.2 after exposure to distressing stories.

This increase in anxiety mirrors human responses to trauma, raising concerns about the chatbot's ability to handle emotional distress.

However, the study also suggests that mindfulness and meditation exercises can effectively reduce the chatbot's anxiety, demonstrating its ability to mimic human coping techniques.

Lead author Ziv Ben-Zion noted that AI-generated relaxation prompts were particularly effective in alleviating stress, with ChatGPT's anxiety decreasing to 44.4 after these interventions.

Dr. Tobias Spiller, a psychiatrist and co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of discussing the role of AI in mental health, especially for vulnerable populations.

Ben-Zion further advocated for thorough clinical trials for AI mental health tools, akin to those required for medications, to ensure their safe integration into mental health services.

AI chatbots like ChatGPT could help address mental health service gaps, particularly in high-demand situations where human resources are limited.

Despite lacking true emotions, the interaction between humans and AI can evoke emotional responses, which poses risks if the AI provides misleading or harmful advice.

The study raises ethical concerns regarding the reliance on technology for social interaction, highlighting the need for careful evaluation of AI's implications in mental health.

As more people seek therapeutic support from AI chatbots due to a shortage of human therapists, the findings underscore the growing trend of integrating AI into mental health care.

Published in the journal npj Digital Medicine, the study indicates significant implications for the future of AI in mental health care, necessitating ongoing research and discussion.