PETALING JAYA: In Malaysia, stigma and cultural beliefs have historically deterred individuals from seeking assistance for mental health concerns. Compounding this issue, individuals in need of mental health support are increasingly turning to chatbot platforms for guidance.
Dr. Adnan Omar, Deputy Chairman of the Malaysian Psycho-Spiritual Well-being Association and psychologist, expressed apprehension over the burgeoning trend of using platforms like ChatGPT for mental health inquiries.
“The conversational capabilities and round-the-clock availability of these platforms have positioned them as a primary source of information. While they offer convenience, anonymity, and some insights, their diagnostic accuracy is questionable, which poses inherent dangers,” Dr. Adnan stated.
Accountant Kelly Tan, 31, encountered difficulties sleeping for several consecutive nights, impacting her work performance. After enduring nearly four months of sleep disturbances, she sought solutions from ChatGPT.
“After reviewing the information I provided, it suggested that my symptoms indicated insomnia. Without seeking a second opinion from a healthcare professional, I procured insomnia medication that was purportedly effective in promoting sleep,” Tan shared.
However, Tan later found herself reliant on the medication to initiate sleep, leading to disruptions in her sleep-wake cycle, daytime drowsiness, and fatigue.
“Initially perceived as a temporary fix, it evolved into dependency. I felt incapable of sleeping without the medication, further exacerbating my condition,” Tan recounted.
Dr. Adnan, also a suicidologist, highlighted generational differences in seeking mental health support. Older individuals may favor traditional methods like seeking assistance from family or healers, whereas younger demographics are inclined towards online platforms, influenced by social and cultural factors.
He emphasized the importance of mental health professionals in addressing the multifaceted nature of mental illness, encompassing biological, psychological, spiritual, and social dimensions.
“ChatGPT’s attempt to streamline symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments is precarious, as critical nuances may be overlooked, leading to misdiagnoses and inadequate treatment,” Dr. Adnan cautioned.
Certain mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression, necessitate medication as part of treatment, with dosages tailored to individual needs, a complexity beyond ChatGPT’s capabilities.
Considering mental health’s cognitive and emotional aspects, inaccurate diagnoses and treatments from ChatGPT may inflict significant psychological harm.
While acknowledging chatbot platforms’ role in disseminating mental health knowledge, Dr. Adnan cautioned against sole reliance due to their lack of accuracy and the potential for misinformation without proper regulation and oversight.
Despite commendable progress in mental health awareness and treatment in Malaysia, ongoing efforts in education, literacy, and addressing systemic barriers are imperative to fostering a society where mental health is prioritized and accessible to all.
