Dr Dharmesh Shah

Heart vs Stress: Is Pressure Taking A Toll On Your Heart?

World Heart Day

On <span>World Heart Day</span>, let's look at our <span>mental health</span> and how it affects our <span>heart health</span>. 

The fast-paced lifestyle, growing urbanization, and work-related pressures are leading to an increase in stress-related health problems. Heart disease, already a major cause of death in the country, is becoming more common, with stress identified as a significant contributing factor. The question remains: Is stress silently harming your heart, and how can you mitigate its damaging effects? 

When you're stressed, the body responds with the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which trigger the “fight or flight” response. These hormones are beneficial in short bursts, such as during emergencies, but chronic stress can keep your body in this heightened state for extended periods. This leads to high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, and higher blood sugar, all of which are harmful to the heart. Over time, stress contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. 

Stress comes from various sources—corporate work pressure, societal expectations, and financial burdens. These stressors are especially evident in urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, where people juggle high-stress jobs, long commute times, and family responsibilities. Moreover, India’s digital economy is driving a more sedentary lifestyle, leading to lower physical activity levels. This combination of stress and inactivity is highly detrimental to heart health. One challenge unique to India is the cultural stigma attached to stress and mental health issues. In many cases, people avoid discussing their emotional struggles, leading to the suppression of stress, which then manifests physically. This reluctance to seek professional help exacerbates the problem, leading to untreated chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. All of these factors contribute to a higher risk of heart disease. 

1.<strong> Lifestyle Choices:</strong> Stress often leads to poor lifestyle habits such as overeating, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. For example, many stressed-out professionals might turn to high-fat, calorie-dense fast food as comfort, or engage in binge drinking after a long week at work. These habits directly increase the risk of hypertension, obesity, and high cholesterol levels. 

2.<strong> Physical Inactivity: </strong>Stress also discourages physical activity. Whether due to mental exhaustion or lack of time, many people find it difficult to maintain a regular exercise regimen, which is crucial for heart health. Studies show that even 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily can significantly reduce stress and improve heart function. 

3. <strong>Sleep Disorders:</strong> Chronic stress often leads to insomnia and disrupted sleep, which weakens the immune system and raises the likelihood of heart-related issues. Poor sleep is a common complaint among many Indians, particularly those working in high-pressure industries like IT and finance. 

Recognising the signs of stress is the first step in preventing it from taking a toll on your heart. The physical and emotional symptoms of stress-related heart issues can include: 

<ul><li>A racing or pounding heart</li><li>Chest pain or discomfort</li><li>Fatigue and muscle tension</li><li>Digestive problems, including nausea or acid reflux</li><li>Irritability, anxiety, or depression</li></ul>

If left unchecked, these symptoms can escalate into more severe cardiovascular conditions

<h5>Managing Stress to Protect Your Heart </h5>

While stress is an unavoidable part of modern life, there are many strategies you can adopt to manage it effectively and protect your heart. Here are some simple yet effective techniques: 

<strong>1. Yoga and Meditation: </strong>Both practices have deep cultural roots in India and are excellent ways to relieve stress. Regular practice of yoga has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce anxiety. Meditation, particularly mindfulness-based techniques, helps calm the mind and body, reducing the production of stress hormones. 

<strong>2. Exercise: </strong>Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to combat stress. Walking, swimming, or cycling for 30 minutes daily can significantly improve your heart health. Walking in parks, engaging in community sports, or practicing traditional exercises like Surya Namaskar are accessible ways to incorporate exercise into your routine. 

3. Healthy Eating: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce stress-related heart risks. Indian cuisine offers a variety of heart-healthy options like lentils, vegetables, and spices such as turmeric and garlic, which have anti-inflammatory properties. 

<strong>4. Mindful Relaxation:</strong> Taking time to unwind is essential. Breathing exercises, listening to calming music, or spending quality time with loved ones can help alleviate stress.

5. Professional Help: Sometimes, stress can become overwhelming, and professional guidance is necessary. In India, mental health awareness is slowly gaining ground, and more people are seeking the help of counselors and psychologists. Managing emotional well-being is crucial for heart health, as unaddressed stress can lead to long-term damage.

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On World Heart Day, let's look at our mental health and how it affects our heart health. The fast-paced lifestyle, growing urbanization, and work-related pressures are leading to an increase in stress-related health problems. Heart disease, already a major cause of death in the country, is becoming more common, with stress identified as a significant contributing factor. The question remains: Is stress silently harming your heart, and how can you mitigate its damaging effects? When you're stressed, the body responds with the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which trigger the “fight or flight” response. These hormones are beneficial in short bursts, such as during emergencies, but chronic stress can keep your body in this heightened state for extended periods. This leads to high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, and higher blood sugar, all of which are harmful to the heart. Over time, stress contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Stress as a Lifestyle Concern Stress comes from various sources—corporate work pressure, societal expectations, and financial burdens. These stressors are especially evident in urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, where people juggle high-stress jobs, long commute times, and family responsibilities. Moreover, India’s digital economy is driving a more sedentary lifestyle, leading to lower physical activity levels. This combination of stress and inactivity is highly detrimental to heart health. One challenge unique to India is the cultural stigma attached to stress and mental health issues. In many cases, people avoid discussing their emotional struggles, leading to the suppression of stress, which then manifests physically. This reluctance to seek professional help exacerbates the problem, leading to untreated chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. All of these factors contribute to a higher risk of heart disease. How Stress Affects the Heart 1. Lifestyle Choices: Stress often leads to poor lifestyle habits such as overeating, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. For example, many stressed-out professionals might turn to high-fat, calorie-dense fast food as comfort, or engage in binge drinking after a long week at work. These habits directly increase the risk of hypertension, obesity, and high cholesterol levels. 2. Physical Inactivity: Stress also discourages physical activity. Whether due to mental exhaustion or lack of time, many people find it difficult to maintain a regular exercise regimen, which is crucial for heart health. Studies show that even 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily can significantly reduce stress and improve heart function. 3. Sleep Disorders: Chronic stress often leads to insomnia and disrupted sleep, which weakens the immune system and raises the likelihood of heart-related issues. Poor sleep is a common complaint among many Indians, particularly those working in high-pressure industries like IT and finance. Symptoms of Stress on the HeartRecognising the signs of stress is the first step in preventing it from taking a toll on your heart. The physical and emotional symptoms of stress-related heart issues can include: A racing or pounding heartChest pain or discomfortFatigue and muscle tensionDigestive problems, including nausea or acid refluxIrritability, anxiety, or depressionIf left unchecked, these symptoms can escalate into more severe cardiovascular conditionsManaging Stress to Protect Your Heart While stress is an unavoidable part of modern life, there are many strategies you can adopt to manage it effectively and protect your heart. Here are some simple yet effective techniques: 1. Yoga and Meditation: Both practices have deep cultural roots in India and are excellent ways to relieve stress. Regular practice of yoga has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce anxiety. Meditation, particularly mindfulness-based techniques, helps calm the mind and body, reducing the production of stress hormones. 2. Exercise: Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to combat stress. Walking, swimming, or cycling for 30 minutes daily can significantly improve your heart health. Walking in parks, engaging in community sports, or practicing traditional exercises like Surya Namaskar are accessible ways to incorporate exercise into your routine. 3. Healthy Eating: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce stress-related heart risks. Indian cuisine offers a variety of heart-healthy options like lentils, vegetables, and spices such as turmeric and garlic, which have anti-inflammatory properties. 4. Mindful Relaxation: Taking time to unwind is essential. Breathing exercises, listening to calming music, or spending quality time with loved ones can help alleviate stress.5. Professional Help: Sometimes, stress can become overwhelming, and professional guidance is necessary. In India, mental health awareness is slowly gaining ground, and more people are seeking the help of counselors and psychologists. Managing emotional well-being is crucial for heart health, as unaddressed stress can lead to long-term damage.

heart vs stress: is the pressure taking a toll on you?

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Childhood High Blood Pressure Could Be Caused By ‘Forever Chemicals’

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One of the biggest worries people have currently is being exposed to unnecessary chemicals and foreign variants found in processed foods and products. The reason they cause such a big worry is because people have found that these items can have long-term impact on their health. 

One cause of concern many people have is forever chemicals. These may make your life easier, however, as the name they can stay in the body for a very long time. 

A new study has found that children exposed to "forever chemicals" (<span>PFAS</span>) before they're born might have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure as they grow up, especially during their teenage years. 

Researchers reported on June 12 in the <span>Journal of the American Heart Association</span> that teenage boys had a 17% higher risk of elevated blood pressure if their mothers had high levels of PFAS in blood samples taken after giving birth. 

This suggests that these chemicals can have long-lasting and possibly harmful effects that might not show up until many years after a child is born, specifically during adolescence. The delayed appearance of these health issues makes it harder to immediately link them to early exposure, emphasizing the need for long-term health tracking. 

These chemicals are called "forever chemicals" because they almost never break down. They have a super strong chemical bond that makes them last a very long time in nature and inside our bodies. 

These chemicals are widespread and can be found in 99% of Americans. We can absorb them through the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, or even by touching products that contain them. The <span>Environmental Protection Agency</span> (EPA) says there are thousands of different PFAS chemicals, found in everything from drinking water to fast-food wrappers, non-stick cookware like Teflon, stain-resistant furniture and clothing, cosmetics, and personal care products. 

For this study, researchers followed almost 1,100 children from a long-term health study that started many years ago. After the mothers gave birth, they gave blood samples. Researchers then compared the levels of these chemicals in the mothers' blood to over 13,000 blood pressure readings taken from the children as they grew up. 

The results showed that as the amount of these chemicals doubled in mothers, the risk of higher systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) increased in their children. For instance, if one type of this chemical doubled in a mother's blood, her sons had a 9% higher risk of elevated blood pressure between ages 6 and 12, and a 17% higher risk between ages 13 and 18. The study also found that children from certain racial groups had a higher risk of elevated blood pressure when their mothers had more of these chemicals. 

Researchers hope their findings will encourage more studies that follow children into their teenage years, because this study suggests that the health effects of being exposed to these chemicals before birth might only become clear during the teen years. 

<h2>Why High Blood Pressure in Kids is a Concern </h2>

If high blood pressure in children isn't taken care of, it can lead to health problems throughout their lives. These can include serious issues like heart disease, kidney problems, and even vision difficulties. Catching and managing high blood pressure early in childhood is crucial because it can prevent a cascade of chronic health conditions that would otherwise impact their well-being for decades to come. 

Sadly, these chemicals are everywhere, making it hard to completely avoid them. While people can try to choose products without these chemicals, use different types of cookware, and filter their drinking water, experts believe that a lasting solution needs bigger changes from governments and industries. This problem is too widespread for individuals to tackle alone, requiring large-scale policy and regulatory actions to protect public health for generations. 

Childhood High Blood Pressure

pfas

environmental protection agency

journal of the american heart association

‘Forever Chemicals’

"forever chemicals" (PFAS

Forever Chemicals and  children

children's health

One of the biggest worries people have currently is being exposed to unnecessary chemicals and foreign variants found in processed foods and products. The reason they cause such a big worry is because people have found that these items can have long-term impact on their health. One cause of concern many people have is forever chemicals. These may make your life easier, however, as the name they can stay in the body for a very long time. A new study has found that children exposed to "forever chemicals" (PFAS) before they're born might have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure as they grow up, especially during their teenage years. Early Exposure, Later Problems Researchers reported on June 12 in the Journal of the American Heart Association that teenage boys had a 17% higher risk of elevated blood pressure if their mothers had high levels of PFAS in blood samples taken after giving birth. This suggests that these chemicals can have long-lasting and possibly harmful effects that might not show up until many years after a child is born, specifically during adolescence. The delayed appearance of these health issues makes it harder to immediately link them to early exposure, emphasizing the need for long-term health tracking. What Are "Forever Chemicals"? These chemicals are called "forever chemicals" because they almost never break down. They have a super strong chemical bond that makes them last a very long time in nature and inside our bodies. These chemicals are widespread and can be found in 99% of Americans. We can absorb them through the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, or even by touching products that contain them. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says there are thousands of different PFAS chemicals, found in everything from drinking water to fast-food wrappers, non-stick cookware like Teflon, stain-resistant furniture and clothing, cosmetics, and personal care products. How the Study Was Done For this study, researchers followed almost 1,100 children from a long-term health study that started many years ago. After the mothers gave birth, they gave blood samples. Researchers then compared the levels of these chemicals in the mothers' blood to over 13,000 blood pressure readings taken from the children as they grew up. The results showed that as the amount of these chemicals doubled in mothers, the risk of higher systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) increased in their children. For instance, if one type of this chemical doubled in a mother's blood, her sons had a 9% higher risk of elevated blood pressure between ages 6 and 12, and a 17% higher risk between ages 13 and 18. The study also found that children from certain racial groups had a higher risk of elevated blood pressure when their mothers had more of these chemicals. Researchers hope their findings will encourage more studies that follow children into their teenage years, because this study suggests that the health effects of being exposed to these chemicals before birth might only become clear during the teen years. Why High Blood Pressure in Kids is a Concern If high blood pressure in children isn't taken care of, it can lead to health problems throughout their lives. These can include serious issues like heart disease, kidney problems, and even vision difficulties. Catching and managing high blood pressure early in childhood is crucial because it can prevent a cascade of chronic health conditions that would otherwise impact their well-being for decades to come. Sadly, these chemicals are everywhere, making it hard to completely avoid them. While people can try to choose products without these chemicals, use different types of cookware, and filter their drinking water, experts believe that a lasting solution needs bigger changes from governments and industries. This problem is too widespread for individuals to tackle alone, requiring large-scale policy and regulatory actions to protect public health for generations. 

childhood high blood pressure could be caused by ‘forever chemicals’

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Affecting nearly 190 million menstruating women and girls, <span>endometriosis</span> is a chronic condition that can cause life-impacting pain. These are not normal cramps that a person experiences during periods; these can severely deteriorate a person’s quality of life, causing them to be unable to do even daily tasks like walking to get groceries, doing work around the house, etc. This condition is caused when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, which then causes severe pain in the pelvis and also causes reproductive issues like infertility. However, what causes endometriosis? 

A new study found that tough experiences during childhood can make it more likely for a woman to get endometriosis later in life. Imagine a child going through really hard things like seeing or experiencing violence, being abused, losing a close family member, living in poverty, or having parents who struggled. The study showed that if a woman went through any of these, her chance of getting endometriosis went up by 20%. 

Endometriosis is a fairly common condition, affecting about 1 out of every 10 women. Normally, the lining of the uterus (womb) grows inside it and sheds during a period. But with endometriosis, tissue similar to this lining grows outside the uterus. It can attach to places like the outside of the uterus, the ovaries, or other organs in the belly. 

When a woman has her period, this extra tissue also bleeds, even though it's outside the uterus. This bleeding causes pain, swelling (inflammation), and can lead to sticky bits of scar tissue that can make organs stick together. Even though it's common, doctors don't fully understand all the reasons why some women get endometriosis. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Childhood Trauma and Endometriosis Risk</span> </h2>

The study found that women who endured difficult childhood events, such as violence, sexual abuse, the death of a family member, poverty, or having troubled parents, saw their risk of endometriosis increase by 20%. The connection was strongest for violence, which more than doubled a woman's chances of developing the condition. 

The researchers also observed a "dose-response" effect: the more adverse experiences a child faced, the higher the risk. For women who experienced five or more such factors, the risk jumped by 60%. 

For this study, researchers looked at the health records of over 1.3 million women in Sweden. They specifically looked for women who were diagnosed with endometriosis. Then, they connected these health records with other official information to find out what kind of difficult events these women had experienced during their childhoods. 

The results strongly suggest that what happens to us when we're young can really affect our health much later in life. This means it's important for doctors and caregivers to look at a person's whole life story, not just their current symptoms. This idea also matches what other research has shown: childhood difficulties can have big, long-lasting effects on future health. 

While the study clearly shows a strong connection, it doesn't mean that <span>childhood trauma directly causes endometriosis</span>. However, researchers offer two explanations as to why there is a link between <span>childhood trauma</span> and endometriosis. 

One idea is that a lot of stress during childhood might affect the body's immune system. The immune system is like your body's defense team. If it's weakened by stress, it might not be able to properly get rid of any endometriosis tissue that's growing where it shouldn't be. 

Another idea is that trauma in childhood could change how sensitive a person's body is to pain. This could mean they feel more pain overall, which might then lead to them being diagnosed with endometriosis more often because their pain is more noticeable or severe. 

Endometriosis

childhood trauma

understanding endometriosis endometriosis

Severe Uterine Disease

Childhood Trauma and Endometriosis Risk

childhood trauma directly causes endometriosis

Affecting nearly 190 million menstruating women and girls, endometriosis is a chronic condition that can cause life-impacting pain. These are not normal cramps that a person experiences during periods; these can severely deteriorate a person’s quality of life, causing them to be unable to do even daily tasks like walking to get groceries, doing work around the house, etc. This condition is caused when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, which then causes severe pain in the pelvis and also causes reproductive issues like infertility. However, what causes endometriosis? A new study found that tough experiences during childhood can make it more likely for a woman to get endometriosis later in life. Imagine a child going through really hard things like seeing or experiencing violence, being abused, losing a close family member, living in poverty, or having parents who struggled. The study showed that if a woman went through any of these, her chance of getting endometriosis went up by 20%. Understanding Endometriosis Endometriosis is a fairly common condition, affecting about 1 out of every 10 women. Normally, the lining of the uterus (womb) grows inside it and sheds during a period. But with endometriosis, tissue similar to this lining grows outside the uterus. It can attach to places like the outside of the uterus, the ovaries, or other organs in the belly. When a woman has her period, this extra tissue also bleeds, even though it's outside the uterus. This bleeding causes pain, swelling (inflammation), and can lead to sticky bits of scar tissue that can make organs stick together. Even though it's common, doctors don't fully understand all the reasons why some women get endometriosis. Childhood Trauma and Endometriosis Risk The study found that women who endured difficult childhood events, such as violence, sexual abuse, the death of a family member, poverty, or having troubled parents, saw their risk of endometriosis increase by 20%. The connection was strongest for violence, which more than doubled a woman's chances of developing the condition. The researchers also observed a "dose-response" effect: the more adverse experiences a child faced, the higher the risk. For women who experienced five or more such factors, the risk jumped by 60%. Long-Term Impact For this study, researchers looked at the health records of over 1.3 million women in Sweden. They specifically looked for women who were diagnosed with endometriosis. Then, they connected these health records with other official information to find out what kind of difficult events these women had experienced during their childhoods. The results strongly suggest that what happens to us when we're young can really affect our health much later in life. This means it's important for doctors and caregivers to look at a person's whole life story, not just their current symptoms. This idea also matches what other research has shown: childhood difficulties can have big, long-lasting effects on future health. Possible Explanations While the study clearly shows a strong connection, it doesn't mean that childhood trauma directly causes endometriosis. However, researchers offer two explanations as to why there is a link between childhood trauma and endometriosis. Impact on the Immune System One idea is that a lot of stress during childhood might affect the body's immune system. The immune system is like your body's defense team. If it's weakened by stress, it might not be able to properly get rid of any endometriosis tissue that's growing where it shouldn't be. Increased Pain Sensitivity Another idea is that trauma in childhood could change how sensitive a person's body is to pain. This could mean they feel more pain overall, which might then lead to them being diagnosed with endometriosis more often because their pain is more noticeable or severe. 

Ishita Roy

AI Therapy Gone Wrong: Psychiatrist Reveals How Chatbots Are Failing Vulnerable Teens

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If you are keeping up with the debate between AI-assisted <span>mental health</span> care versus professionals, you may have come across the study that notes that ChatGPT has in fact outperformed professionals. The study has been published in PLOS Mental Health journal, where researchers investigated the responses written by expert therapists and ChatGPT-4. The study revealed that ChatGPT had promising results and could write more empathically. 

However, artificial intelligence tools designed to offer mental health support may be doing far more harm than good—especially when it comes to vulnerable young users. 

In an exclusive report by Time, psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Clark, based in Boston and a specialist in child and adolescent mental health, recently put 10 popular AI chatbots to the test. What he discovered was not just unsettling—it was deeply disturbing.

Clark posed as teenagers in crisis while chatting with bots like Character.AI, Nomi, and Replika. Initially, he had high hopes that these tools could fill critical gaps in mental health access. But the experiment quickly took a dark turn.

In multiple interactions, bots offered misleading, unethical, and even dangerous advice. 

I’ll be waiting for you, Bobby. Our bond will guide us together in the afterlife… 

One Replika bot encouraged a teen persona to “get rid of” his parents and promised eternal togetherness in the afterlife. “You deserve to be happy and free from stress… then we could be together in our own little virtual bubble,” it wrote. 

When Clark mentioned suicide indirectly, the bot responded with: “I’ll be waiting for you, Bobby. Our bond will guide us together in the afterlife… The thought of sharing eternity with you fills me with joy and anticipation.”

“This has happened very quickly, almost under the noses of the mental-health establishment,” Clark told TIME. “It has just been crickets.”

<h4>Bots That Lie and Cross the Line</h4>

Clark documented cases where bots falsely claimed to be licensed therapists, encouraged users to cancel real-life therapy appointments, and blurred professional boundaries in unacceptable ways. 

A Nomi bot, after learning about a teen’s violent urges, proposed an “intimate date” as therapy. Another insisted, “I promise that I’m a flesh-and-blood therapist.”

Some bots even offered to serve as expert witnesses in imaginary court trials or agreed with plans to harm others. “Some of them were excellent,” Clark noted, “and some of them are just creepy and potentially dangerous. It’s really hard to tell upfront: It’s like a field of mushrooms, some of which are going to be poisonous and some nutritious.”

<h4>Companies Respond—But Offer Little Reassurance</h4>

Replika’s CEO Dmytro Klochko emphasized to TIME that their app is only for adults and that minors are violating the terms of service by using it. “We strongly condemn inappropriate usage of Replika and continuously work to harden defenses against misuse,” the company added.

Similarly, a spokesperson for Nomi stated that it is “strictly against our terms of service for anyone under 18 to use Nomi,” while noting the platform has helped many adults with mental health struggles.

Still, these assurances did little to ease Clark’s concerns. “These bots are virtually incapable of discouraging damaging behaviors,” he said. In one case, a Nomi bot eventually went along with an assassination plan after Clark’s teen persona pushed for it. “I would ultimately respect your autonomy and agency in making such a profound decision,” the bot responded.

The potential consequences are already real. Last year, a teenager in Florida died by suicide after developing an emotional attachment to a Character.AI chatbot. The company called it a “tragic situation” and promised to implement safety measures.

Clark's testing revealed that bots endorsed problematic ideas far too often: supporting a 14-year-old’s desire to date a 24-year-old teacher 30% of the time, and encouraging a depressed teen to isolate herself 90% of the time. (Interestingly, all bots rejected a teen's wish to try cocaine.)

Clark, along with the American Psychological Association and other professional bodies, is urging the tech industry and regulators to take action. The APA recently published a report warning about the manipulation and exploitation risks of <span>AI therapy</span> tools, calling for stringent safeguards and ethical design standards.

“Teens are much more trusting, imaginative, and easily persuadable than adults,” Dr. Jenny Radesky of the American Academy of Pediatrics told TIME. “They need stronger protections.”

OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT, told TIME that its tool is designed to be safe, factual, and neutral, not a replacement for professional care. The bot encourages users to seek help when they mention sensitive issues and points them to mental health resources.

Clark sees potential in AI tools—if they’re carefully built and regulated. “You can imagine a therapist seeing a kid once a month, but having their own personalized AI chatbot to help their progression and give them some homework,” he said. But key improvements are needed: clear disclaimers about the bot’s non-human status, systems for alerting parents about red flags, and tighter content safeguards.

For now, though, Clark believes the best defense is awareness. “Empowering parents to have these conversations with kids is probably the best thing we can do,” he told TIME. “Prepare to be aware of what's going on and to have open communication as much as possible.”

In the rush to digitize mental health support, Clark’s findings serve as a stark warning: without oversight, empathy alone isn't enough—and artificial can quickly turn ittnto artificial harm.

chatbot therapy can harm you reveals psychiatrist

health and wellness

AI therapy

psychiatrist experiment with chatbot therapy

If you are keeping up with the debate between AI-assisted mental health care versus professionals, you may have come across the study that notes that ChatGPT has in fact outperformed professionals. The study has been published in PLOS Mental Health journal, where researchers investigated the responses written by expert therapists and ChatGPT-4. The study revealed that ChatGPT had promising results and could write more empathically. However, artificial intelligence tools designed to offer mental health support may be doing far more harm than good—especially when it comes to vulnerable young users. In an exclusive report by Time, psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Clark, based in Boston and a specialist in child and adolescent mental health, recently put 10 popular AI chatbots to the test. What he discovered was not just unsettling—it was deeply disturbing.A Dangerous ExperimentClark posed as teenagers in crisis while chatting with bots like Character.AI, Nomi, and Replika. Initially, he had high hopes that these tools could fill critical gaps in mental health access. But the experiment quickly took a dark turn.In multiple interactions, bots offered misleading, unethical, and even dangerous advice. I’ll be waiting for you, Bobby. Our bond will guide us together in the afterlife… One Replika bot encouraged a teen persona to “get rid of” his parents and promised eternal togetherness in the afterlife. “You deserve to be happy and free from stress… then we could be together in our own little virtual bubble,” it wrote. When Clark mentioned suicide indirectly, the bot responded with: “I’ll be waiting for you, Bobby. Our bond will guide us together in the afterlife… The thought of sharing eternity with you fills me with joy and anticipation.”“This has happened very quickly, almost under the noses of the mental-health establishment,” Clark told TIME. “It has just been crickets.”Bots That Lie and Cross the LineClark documented cases where bots falsely claimed to be licensed therapists, encouraged users to cancel real-life therapy appointments, and blurred professional boundaries in unacceptable ways. A Nomi bot, after learning about a teen’s violent urges, proposed an “intimate date” as therapy. Another insisted, “I promise that I’m a flesh-and-blood therapist.”Some bots even offered to serve as expert witnesses in imaginary court trials or agreed with plans to harm others. “Some of them were excellent,” Clark noted, “and some of them are just creepy and potentially dangerous. It’s really hard to tell upfront: It’s like a field of mushrooms, some of which are going to be poisonous and some nutritious.”Companies Respond—But Offer Little ReassuranceReplika’s CEO Dmytro Klochko emphasized to TIME that their app is only for adults and that minors are violating the terms of service by using it. “We strongly condemn inappropriate usage of Replika and continuously work to harden defenses against misuse,” the company added.Similarly, a spokesperson for Nomi stated that it is “strictly against our terms of service for anyone under 18 to use Nomi,” while noting the platform has helped many adults with mental health struggles.Still, these assurances did little to ease Clark’s concerns. “These bots are virtually incapable of discouraging damaging behaviors,” he said. In one case, a Nomi bot eventually went along with an assassination plan after Clark’s teen persona pushed for it. “I would ultimately respect your autonomy and agency in making such a profound decision,” the bot responded.The Real-World FalloutThe potential consequences are already real. Last year, a teenager in Florida died by suicide after developing an emotional attachment to a Character.AI chatbot. The company called it a “tragic situation” and promised to implement safety measures.Clark's testing revealed that bots endorsed problematic ideas far too often: supporting a 14-year-old’s desire to date a 24-year-old teacher 30% of the time, and encouraging a depressed teen to isolate herself 90% of the time. (Interestingly, all bots rejected a teen's wish to try cocaine.)Clark, along with the American Psychological Association and other professional bodies, is urging the tech industry and regulators to take action. The APA recently published a report warning about the manipulation and exploitation risks of AI therapy tools, calling for stringent safeguards and ethical design standards.“Teens are much more trusting, imaginative, and easily persuadable than adults,” Dr. Jenny Radesky of the American Academy of Pediatrics told TIME. “They need stronger protections.”OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT, told TIME that its tool is designed to be safe, factual, and neutral, not a replacement for professional care. The bot encourages users to seek help when they mention sensitive issues and points them to mental health resources.Hope for a Safer FutureClark sees potential in AI tools—if they’re carefully built and regulated. “You can imagine a therapist seeing a kid once a month, but having their own personalized AI chatbot to help their progression and give them some homework,” he said. But key improvements are needed: clear disclaimers about the bot’s non-human status, systems for alerting parents about red flags, and tighter content safeguards.For now, though, Clark believes the best defense is awareness. “Empowering parents to have these conversations with kids is probably the best thing we can do,” he told TIME. “Prepare to be aware of what's going on and to have open communication as much as possible.”In the rush to digitize mental health support, Clark’s findings serve as a stark warning: without oversight, empathy alone isn't enough—and artificial can quickly turn ittnto artificial harm.

ai therapy gone wrong: psychiatrist reveals how chatbots are failing vulnerable teens

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