Whispering Machines: Potential Mental Health Risks of AI Chatbots.

Published

2026-06-12

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Issue

Article in Press: 2026

Section

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

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Copyright (c) 2026 Uttam Chandra Garg

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Authors

  • Uttam Chandra Garg Roshan Jagat Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences

Abstract

This presidential address examines the emerging mental health implications of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. While conversational AI may expand access to support and mental health information, concerns are growing regarding emotional dependence, reinforcement of reassurance-seeking behaviours, amplification of delusional beliefs through AI sycophancy, and inadequate responses to self-harm risk. Drawing upon current evidence and clinical observations, the address argues for psychiatric oversight, safety auditing, crisis-response standards, and routine assessment of chatbot use in clinical practice.

How to Cite

Garg, U. C. (2026). Whispering Machines: Potential Mental Health Risks of AI Chatbots . Indian Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Retrieved from https://www.ijocp.com/index.php/IJOCP/article/view/322

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References

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