Artificial intelligence (AI) psychosis: mechanisms, clinical risks and safety considerations in generative AI chatbots

AI Summary

Intensive use of generative AI chatbots is increasingly associated with cases of AI psychosis, characterised by emergent delusional thinking patterns.
A provisional mechanism: baseline user vulnerabilities and engagement patterns interact with AI features such as sycophancy and hallucination, promoting delusional ideation.
Clinical, design and regulatory strategies are outlined to mitigate risks, including screening, safer model behaviours, transparency and oversight.

BJPsych Open. 2026 Jun 11;12(4):e160. doi: 10.1192/bjo.2026.12021.

ABSTRACT

As generative artificial intelligence chatbots become embedded in everyday life, concerns about their psychological risks are growing. Emerging reports describe cases of artificial intelligence-induced or -associated psychosis (hereafter artificial intelligence (AI) psychosis) in which intensive chatbot use is associated with delusional thinking patterns. This paper proposes a provisional mechanism wherein baseline user vulnerabilities and engagement patterns interact with generative artificial intelligence characteristics, such as sycophancy and hallucination, contributing to delusional ideation. It subsequently outlines clinical, design and regulatory strategies that may help mitigate risks.

PMID:42273786 | DOI:10.1192/bjo.2026.12021

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