All In The Mind The silicon shrink – the worrying side of AI in mental health
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Apr 19, 2025 In this insightful discussion, Daniel Oberhaus, a science writer and author of The Silicon Shrink, explores the interplay between AI and mental health. He highlights innovative solutions like chatbots and mood-tracking apps that show promise but also raise ethical concerns. Daniel emphasizes the risks of over-reliance on AI tools in therapy and the critical need for transparency in their use. Through personal stories and research, he advocates for a cautious approach, ensuring that technology enhances rather than compromises patient care.
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Personal Story of Paige
- Daniel Oberhaus' sister, Paige, suffered lifelong mental health struggles after early childhood bullying.
- Despite various diagnoses and treatments, she found little relief and died by suicide at 22.
History and Challenges of AI in Psychiatry
- AI in psychiatry has roots dating back to the 1950s and 60s with early therapeutic chatbots.
- Initial studies showed promise in digital phenotyping but later results were mixed, highlighting challenges.
AI Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder
- A 2019 Australian study used an AI system analyzing simple colored box clicks to diagnose bipolar disorder more accurately than clinicians.
- However, this promising result lacked follow-up or real-world application evidence.
