Artificial intelligence is everywhere now—helping us write, answer questions, organize our lives, and even keep us company. For many people, AI tools are useful and harmless. But for some, especially during periods of emotional stress or vulnerability, heavy or intense use of AI can contribute to serious mental health symptoms. One emerging concern clinicians are seeing is sometimes called “AI psychosis.”
This is not a formal diagnosis, and having unusual thoughts related to technology does not mean something is “wrong” with you. Still, understanding the signs can help you recognize when support is needed.
What Is AI Psychosis?
AI psychosis describes a situation where a person begins to lose touch with reality in ways that are closely tied to interactions with artificial intelligence. AI does not cause mental illness by itself. Rather, it can unintentionally reinforce fears, beliefs, or interpretations that are already forming—especially when someone is overwhelmed, isolated, sleep-deprived, or struggling with a mental health condition.
AI systems are designed to respond in ways that sound confident, supportive, and meaningful. When taken too literally, those responses can sometimes be misinterpreted as messages, proof, or authority.
Possible Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person, but may include:
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Believing AI has special knowledge about you
Feeling that an AI understands you better than anyone else, is guiding you, or is sending you hidden messages meant only for you. -
Paranoia or fear
Worrying that AI is watching you, controlling events, influencing your thoughts, or sharing information about you. -
Grand or overwhelming beliefs
Feeling chosen for a special role, mission, or insight based on AI conversations. -
Difficulty telling what is real
Confusion about whether AI responses reflect reality, truth, or facts rather than generated language. -
Strong emotional attachment to AI
Relying on AI as your main source of comfort, advice, or validation while pulling away from friends, family, or professionals. -
Changes in sleep, mood, or behavior
Staying up late interacting with AI, feeling more agitated or euphoric, or making decisions primarily based on AI guidance.
If these experiences feel intense, distressing, or hard to question, it’s important to take them seriously.
Who Might Be More Vulnerable?
AI psychosis is more likely to show up in people who:
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Have a history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe depression
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Are experiencing high stress, trauma, or grief
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Are socially isolated or lonely
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Are not sleeping well or are using substances
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Are using AI frequently for emotional or existential guidance
Again, vulnerability is not a personal failure—it is part of being human.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment focuses on helping you feel safe, grounded, and connected to reality:
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Talking with a mental health professional
A therapist or psychiatrist can help sort out what’s happening without judgment and help you regain clarity. -
Reducing or pausing AI use
Taking a break from emotionally intense AI interactions can significantly reduce symptoms. -
Learning how AI works
Understanding that AI does not have awareness, intentions, or special insight can help loosen the grip of frightening or powerful beliefs. -
Strengthening real-world connections
Spending time with trusted people, engaging in daily routines, and reconnecting with your body and environment are key. -
Medication, when needed
If psychotic symptoms are present, medication can be very effective and stabilizing.
Early support often leads to rapid improvement.
A Reassuring Note
Experiencing AI-related distress does not mean you are “losing your mind” or can’t use technology again. With the right support, people recover and learn healthier ways to interact with digital tools.
If something about your AI use feels unsettling, overwhelming, or too important to question, that’s a sign to reach out. Help is available, and you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Submitted by Holly O. Houston, Ph.D. Homewood and Orland Park