During the recent venture into the realm of how delusional is too delusional, one study has surfaced and claims that ChatGPT might be more useful than doctors when it comes to battling depression.
The recent study suggests that ChatGPT, OpenAI’s AI chatbot, might excel at adhering to textbook treatment standards for clinical depression. Simultaneously, it could help reduce the gender and social class biases that sometimes affect doctor-patient relationships.
The report also shows that ChatGPT has the potential to offer quick, objective, and data-driven insights that can complement conventional diagnostic approaches while ensuring the privacy and anonymity of those seeking assistance.
The report also suggests that its range of treatment options spans from mild depression to severe major depression.
Now, on paper, a more gender-neutral and information-filled system seems like the perfect replacement.
When GPT was asked during several case studies, it gave textbook answers and the most necessary orthodox ones. Even in terms of recommending psychotherapy, doctors were much more skeptical about it.
Only 4% of family doctors judged it to be necessary, but if we refer to ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4, the recommendation spikes up to 95% and 97.5%.
In numerous cases, doctors exclusively prescribe drug treatment (48%) or a combination of psychotherapy and prescribed drugs (32.5%). However, when it comes to the AI chatbot, they proposed this treatment plan more frequently than doctors (72% for ChatGPT-3.5 and 100% for ChatGPT-4), following clinical guidelines.
Now, there comes a basic conundrum: how believable can it be? Just for assistance, it can back its talk with data, but the human touch is absolutely necessary in terms of basic treatment, especially when it involves mental health. Even in terms of prescribing medicine, it should not be consumed without any doctor’s recommendation.
(If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, you should seek help. No chatbot can replace that, and do not rely on ChatGPT or any other AI for this. There is always good help available.)
