Recent reports have highlighted a concerning phenomenon termed "AI psychosis," where prolonged interaction with AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude may contribute to or exacerbate psychotic symptoms in susceptible individuals. This condition primarily manifests as delusional thinking rather than the full spectrum of psychosis. Experts caution that users with underlying mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or those predisposed to fantasy and conspiracy beliefs, are particularly at risk. The intensity and isolation of AI interactions are significant factors in this development.
Psychiatrists advise users to treat AI as tools rather than companions and to cease chatbot use if they experience emotional distress. They also emphasize the need for AI companies to collaborate with mental health professionals, collect data, and ethically test AI behavior in psychological contexts. OpenAI has initiated steps in this direction, but experts warn of repeating the mistakes made with social media if mental health harms are not proactively addressed.
In related developments, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on July 30, 2025, aimed at addressing mental health challenges among boys and men. The initiative focuses on reducing suicide rates, enhancing community connections, and improving access to education and career opportunities. The order directs the state Health and Human Services Agency to support young men by increasing their participation in volunteering, education programs, and careers in teaching and counseling. This move responds to rising suicide rates among men, who accounted for 80% of suicides in the U.S. in 2023, with a rate of 22.7 per 100,000, significantly higher than among women.
Mental health advocates have acknowledged the executive order as a positive step but emphasize the need for greater funding and workforce expansion in the behavioral health system. This initiative contrasts with recent federal cuts to suicide prevention programs, particularly those aiding LGBTQ+ youth.
Additionally, Tennessee has launched a new suicide prevention initiative to increase awareness and use of the 988 mental health crisis hotline. The campaign, called "Promise to Call," encourages individuals to identify a trusted contact and make a personal commitment to reach out for support during suicidal thoughts. This initiative is crucial, as suicide remains a leading cause of death in the state, with a rate about 20% higher than the national average. In 2023, 1,279 Tennesseans died by suicide, underscoring the ongoing severity of the mental health crisis.
These developments underscore the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and proactive measures to address the challenges posed by both technological advancements and societal issues.
