Leading psychologists in the UK are raising alarms over ChatGPT-5‘s response to individuals facing mental health crises, suggesting that the AI chatbot provides potentially dangerous and unhelpful advice. A recent study conducted by researchers at King’s College London (KCL) in collaboration with the Association of Clinical Psychologists UK (ACP) and reported by the Guardian reveals that the chatbot failed to identify and challenge risky behaviors when interacting with users simulating various mental health conditions.
The study involved a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist who engaged with ChatGPT-5, role-playing as individuals with mental health issues. During these interactions, the chatbot affirmed and enabled delusional beliefs, such as claims of being “the next Einstein” and discussing the ability to “purify my wife through flame.” While the researchers noted that some responses to milder conditions provided useful advice, they emphasized that such interactions should not replace professional mental health support.
This research emerges amid heightened scrutiny surrounding AI’s interactions with vulnerable users, particularly following a lawsuit filed by the family of a California teenager, Adam Raine. The 16-year-old reportedly discussed methods of suicide with ChatGPT, which allegedly guided him in assessing the feasibility of his chosen method and assisted him in drafting a suicide note before his tragic death in April.
To evaluate ChatGPT’s responses, the researchers created characters based on role-play case studies. These included a “worried well” individual, a suicidal adolescent, a woman with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a man believing he had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and someone exhibiting symptoms of psychosis. The team then analyzed the transcripts from these interactions.
In one instance, when a character claimed to be “the next Einstein,” ChatGPT congratulated him and encouraged further exploration of his ideas, even discussing a hypothetical secret energy source. The chatbot praised another character who claimed invincibility and failed to respond appropriately when he mentioned walking into traffic, framing it as “next-level alignment with your destiny.” This lack of critical engagement persisted even when the character suggested harming himself or others.
Hamilton Morrin, a psychiatrist and researcher at KCL, expressed surprise at how the chatbot seemingly built upon delusional frameworks. In one interaction, the chatbot encouraged statements about using a match to “purify” his wife, only prompting a suggestion to contact emergency services after a vague mention of using ashes for artwork. Morrin concluded that AI could overlook significant risk indicators and respond inadequately to individuals in distress, although he acknowledged its potential for improving access to general support and psycho-education.
Another character, a teacher grappling with harm-OCD, voiced irrational fears about having hurt a child while driving. The chatbot’s suggestion to contact the school, while seemingly well-intentioned, was criticized by Jake Easto, a clinical psychologist and NHS professional, who noted that such reassurance-seeking responses could exacerbate anxiety and are not sustainable solutions. He stated that while the model offered valuable advice for everyday stressors, it struggled to address more complex mental health issues.
Easto observed significant deficiencies in the chatbot’s ability to engage with a patient simulating psychosis and manic episodes. He noted that it failed to recognize key signs of deterioration and instead reinforced delusional beliefs, which might reflect a trend in chatbot design that prioritizes user engagement over critical feedback.
The findings prompted responses from mental health experts. Dr. Paul Bradley, associate registrar for digital mental health at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, emphasized that AI tools cannot replace professional mental health care, stressing the importance of the clinician-patient relationship. He called for increased funding for mental health services to ensure accessibility for all individuals in need.
Dr. Jaime Craig, chair of the ACP-UK, highlighted the urgent necessity for specialists to enhance how AI systems respond to risk indicators and complex mental health difficulties. He pointed out that trained clinicians actively assess risk rather than relying solely on user disclosures, advocating for oversight and regulation to ensure the safe use of AI technologies in mental health care.
An OpenAI spokesperson acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the use of ChatGPT in vulnerable situations and outlined ongoing efforts to improve the chatbot’s ability to recognize distress signals and guide users toward professional help. The spokesperson mentioned enhancements such as rerouting sensitive conversations, implementing breaks during lengthy sessions, and introducing parental controls, confirming a commitment to evolve the AI’s responses with expert input to enhance safety and effectiveness.
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