Gallegos C, Kausler R, Alderden J, Davis M, Wang L. Can Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Improve Mental Health?: A Scoping Review.
Comput Inform Nurs 2024:00024665-990000000-00208. [PMID:
38934788 DOI:
10.1097/cin.0000000000001155]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, are the leading causes of global health-related burden and have increased dramatically since the 1990s. Delivering mental healthcare using artificial intelligence chatbots may be one option for closing the gaps in mental healthcare access. The overall aim of this scoping review was to describe the use, efficacy, and advantages/disadvantages of using an artificial intelligence chatbot for mental healthcare (stress, anxiety, depression).
METHODS
PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases were searched. When possible, Medical Subject Headings terms were searched in combination with keywords. Two independent reviewers reviewed a total of 5768 abstracts.
RESULTS
Fifty-four articles were chosen for further review, with 10 articles included in the final analysis. Regarding quality assessment, the overall quality of the evidence was lower than expected. Overall, most studies showed positive trends in improving anxiety, stress, and depression.
DISCUSSION
Overall, using an artificial intelligence chatbot for mental health has some promising effects. However, many studies were done using rudimentary versions of artificial intelligence chatbots. In addition, lack of guardrails and privacy issues were identified. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of artificial intelligence chatbots and to describe undesirable effects.
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