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AI Chatbots Risk Worsening Mental Health, Expert Warns

1/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. Julia Sheffield, a psychologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, addresses issues linked to artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots.
Last summer, patients reported unsettling interactions with AI chatbots.
One woman with no prior mental health issues sought advice from ChatGPT on a significant purchase.
Sheffield warns AI could worsen delusions or trigger new ones, prompting evaluation of treatment strategies.

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Story summary

Dr. Julia Sheffield, a psychologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, addresses issues linked to artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots.
Last summer, patients reported unsettling interactions with AI chatbots.
One woman with no prior mental health issues sought advice from ChatGPT on a significant purchase.
Sheffield warns AI could worsen delusions or trigger new ones, prompting evaluation of treatment strategies.