When we think about artificial intelligence or AI, we might think about apps like ChatGPT or easy hacks on how to search for information or rewrite articles. However, the extent of this technology’s capabilities has yet to be discovered.
Explore how AI supports mental health through stress management, therapy tools, and personalised care. Learn what AI can and can’t do for mental wellness.
The Role of AI in Mental Health
AI and mental health has been a hugely debated topic since the invention of artificial intelligence for multiple reasons. While AI could help offer therapeutic insights or just lend an ear to someone struggling with mental health issues, it is notorious for lacking that human touch of emotion. That said, many believe that AI is the future of healthcare and can significantly help with the mental health crisis.
Using AI for mental health could mean shorter wait times, faster mental health screenings and lower costs as compared to traditional therapy. AI could also prove to be more approachable than real therapists, encouraging more individuals to seek help and pour their hearts out. Considering all of the above factors, AI for mental health could be a good idea if used judiciously and simultaneously with traditional therapy. Let’s look at how it’s being used currently.
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How AI is Being Used in Mental Health Today
AI and mental health have the potential to become a particularly productive combination due to their cost-effectiveness and accessibility. Today, AI-powered chatbots are being used to offer a quick therapy session, cutting down the time to wait for an appointment at an actual clinic. While AI mental health is relatively new, and practitioners are just beginning to use it, these chatbots are using evidence-based techniques like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy to help individuals deal with anxiety and depression. These bots are also being used to analyse early signs of diagnosis for any serious mental health issues. Additionally, AI-powered devices are being used, like fitness trackers, by individuals to track their mental health and send them alerts if something seems off. Mental health professionals are also utilising AI to outsource their administrative work.
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Benefits of AI for Mental Health
Because AI for mental health is relatively new, it is too early to identify the benefits. However, early studies show that AI does have the potential to improve therapy and offer basic support for those seeking help. Here are some potential benefits of using AI for mental health:
1. Mildly Effective
AI can help boost the effectiveness of psychotherapy as it uses science-backed techniques to chat with patients. Most people who engaged with AI mental health reported feeling satisfied with the therapy session and wished to continue.
2. Accessibility
AI can make therapy available to individuals who can’t see a therapist due to geographical or other reasons and can provide immediate support without having to wait for an appointment.
3. Affordability
AI chatbots are much more cost-effective for patients than traditional therapists making therapy accessible to wider audiences.
4. Personalisation
Over time, AI can collect data based on your past responses and recommend personalised suggestions.
5. Judgement-Free
AI chatbots offer a safe space for patients as there’s no real human element involved. This can make it easier for them to open up and be honest about their feelings without the fear of being judged.
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Limitations and Ethical Concerns of AI in Mental Health
One of the biggest limitations of AI for mental health is that it can make errors that can have detrimental effects on one’s mental health. Additionally, here are some more reasons that are concerning:
1. Lack of Emotion
Because there’s no human touch involved, AI lacks the ability to empathise and make emotionally nuanced decisions. This is one of the biggest drawbacks of using AI for mental health.
2. Privacy Issues
Many are concerned with the fact that sensitive data shared with AI tools may not necessarily be kept secure and confidential.
3. Mild Effectiveness
AI can only be helpful for light support and not for serious mental health concerns. For issues like severe depression and schizophrenia, traditional therapy is still the best option.
4. Room for Error
AI can misdiagnose an individual which can result in serious consequences like suggesting inappropriate actions. These tools are best used when clubbed with traditional therapy.
5. Narrow Scope
While AI uses science-backed therapies to help people, it lacks the understanding of which therapy is suitable for which individual. Not all therapies work for everyone.
6. Dependency
Users might become completely dependent on these chatbots as they’re readily available and avoid seeking help from real human professionals.
The Future of AI in Mental Health Care
Many believe that AI is the future of mental health care. AI for mental health can be helpful if used in combination with traditional therapy. While it does make therapy more accessible and affordable, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits of using these chatbots for mental wellness at the moment. AI in the mental health world is a relatively new tool, and it’s too soon to evaluate its effectiveness. But with time and research, it is possible to find a healthy way to use AI for mental health purposes. In the meantime, explore how to cultivate a positive mindset and achieve inner peace from experts on SoulSensei.
Read more: How to be mentally strong and fearless
Sources
- Itrexgroup – The big promise AI holds for mental health. By Yelena Lavrentyeva.
- News Medical – Five ways AI can help to deal with the mental health crisis. By Lily Ramsey.
- Calm – Can AI help with mental health? Here’s what you need to know.
- National Library of Medicine – Artificial intelligence in positive mental health: A narrative review. By Anoushka Thakker, Ankita Gupta & Avinash De Sousa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How effective are AI chatbots in providing mental health support?
AI chatbots are mildly effective in mental health support due to their accessibility and affordability. However, for serious mental health concerns, it’s best to seek help from a qualified professional human therapist.
Are there any risks to using AI in mental health care?
Yes, there are a number of using AI in mental health care:
AI is capable of misdiagnosis, which can lead to serious mental health concerns.
While AI uses evidence-backed therapy techniques to make recommendations, it lacks the ability to gauge which therapy is suitable for which individual making it possible to make erroneous recommendations.
Because there is a lack of human touch involved, it cannot make nuanced recommendations based on the emotional aspects of your mental health.
What are some limitations of AI in mental health?
Some limitations of AI in mental health are:
Lack of Emotion: Because there’s no human touch involved, AI lacks the ability to empathise and make emotionally nuanced decisions. This is one of the biggest drawbacks of using AI for mental health.
Privacy Issues: Many are concerned with the fact that sensitive data shared with AI tools may not necessarily be kept secure and confidential.
Mild Effectiveness: AI can only be helpful for light support and not for serious mental health concerns. For issues like severe depression and schizophrenia, traditional therapy is still the best option.
Room for Error: AI can misdiagnose an individual which can result in serious consequences like suggesting inappropriate actions. These tools are best used when clubbed with traditional therapy.
Narrow Scope: While AI uses science-backed therapies to help people, it lacks the understanding of which therapy is suitable for which individual. Not all therapies work for everyone.
Dependency: Users might become completely dependent on these chatbots as they’re readily available and avoid seeking help from real human professionals.