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For many experts, the last few years have represented a mental health crisis. Feelings of anxiety and depression have grown significantly since the start of the global pandemic in 2020. A recent report from JAMA noted increases in people who are in mental health treatment, across all ages. This was particularly prevalent for the use of telehealth, which saw a 20-fold increase in usage for those with employer-based insurance.
One distinction that stands out is in the emerging digital health industry, where hundreds of free apps are vying to address the mental health crisis among teens and young adults. These apps, while not claiming to diagnose or treat medical conditions, offer a convenient and stigma-free alternative to traditional therapy. What else sets them apart? The use of AI generated chatbots.
What Do They Do?
Often these bots generate sympathetic statements and offer various coping mechanisms. These include guided breathing exercises and techniques to reframe negative thoughts. However, while they may employ therapeutic techniques, the app developers are adamant about not labeling it as therapy. Instead, they prefer to position it as a form of self-help.
The efficacy of these AI-based chatbots in improving mental health remains uncertain. They lack regulatory oversight and long-term data on their effectiveness. Despite these concerns, chatbots are already playing a vital role in bridging the gap in mental health care, particularly amid a shortage of mental health professionals.
Criticism
However, critics argue that these apps could potentially divert individuals from seeking proven therapies for serious mental health disorders. Moreover, there are ethical considerations regarding the regulation of chatbots, with calls for increased oversight from regulatory bodies like the FDA.
Despite the uncertainties, the digital health landscape continues to evolve, with some healthcare systems integrating these technologies into routine care. As the field progresses, understanding the impact of these technologies on mental health outcomes will be essential in ensuring their responsible and effective use.
In the end, while chatbots offer a promising avenue for support, questions remain about their role in the broader context of mental healthcare delivery.
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