Health and Me

Ishita Roy

World Blood Donor Day 2025: Thinking of Donating Blood? A Doctor Answers All Your Doubts

What all must you know before you donate blood?

On <span>World Blood Donor Day</span>, observed every year on June 14, the spotlight turns to the vital act of <span>blood donation</span>—an effort that saves millions of lives each year. Yet, many potential donors still hold back due to confusion or misinformation. To help clear the air, we spoke to Dr. Sangeeta Pathak, Director and Head of Transfusion Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, about the do’s and don’ts of blood donation. Here’s what we learned.

<strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/who-can-donate-blood-to-whom-article-151105034" data-type="tilCustomLink">Who Can Donate Blood To Whom?</a></strong>

<h4>Can Women Donate Blood During Their Period?</h4>

This is one of the most common concerns, especially among first-time female donors. According to Dr. Pathak, as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, women are advised not to donate during their menstruation, particularly during the 4-5 days of active bleeding. However, they are completely eligible to donate at any other time of the month if they are in good health.

<h4>What If You’re Recovering from Illness or Taking Medication?</h4>

Health is key when it comes to blood donation. “A person should be completely healthy and free from fever or illness at the time of donation,” says Dr. Pathak. Moreover, certain medications can lead to deferral, and there is a comprehensive list maintained under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. So if you’re on a prescribed course, it’s best to consult a doctor or the blood bank before donating.

<h4>Alcohol, Smoking and Blood Donation—What’s the Deal?</h4>

While an occasional drinker may not be entirely disqualified, heavy alcohol consumption is a red flag. “Anyone who is under the influence or shows signs of intoxication should not be donating blood,” Dr. Pathak warns. Ideally, toxic substances like alcohol or nicotine should be avoided for several hours before donation, and if there is an emergency and the only available donor has consumed alcohol recently, it's safest to look for another eligible person.

<h4>Basic Eligibility: Age, Weight, and Health</h4>

<ul><li>To donate blood in India, you must be:</li><li>18 to 65 years old (first-time donors should not be older than 60)</li><li>Weigh at least 45 kg (for 350 ml of whole blood)</li><li>Hemoglobin levels of at least 12.5 gm/dl</li></ul>

For apheresis (platelet or plasma donation), the minimum weight is 50 kg, and the age range is 18 to 60 years. Chronic illnesses and poor general health are automatic grounds for deferral.

<h4>Tattoos and Piercings: Are You Temporarily Ineligible?</h4>

Yes. If you’ve recently had a tattoo or body piercing, you’ll need to wait 12 months before you can donate blood. This is a precautionary step to ensure there’s no risk of transmitting infections.

<strong>TO KNOW MORE, READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/how-long-after-a-tattoo-or-piercing-can-i-donate-blood-article-151210770" data-type="tilCustomLink">How Long After a Tattoo or Piercing Can I Donate Blood?</a></strong>

<h4>What to Eat (or Avoid) Before and After Donation</h4>

A proper meal before donating is important, but fasting is not advised. “The donor should not be on an empty stomach, and their last meal should be at least four hours before donation,” explains Dr. Pathak. Avoid fatty foods before donating as they can interfere with blood testing. After donation, staying hydrated and consuming a light snack helps restore energy levels quickly.

Women, especially, often have concerns about low hemoglobin levels. If your levels are below 12.5 gm/dl, you won’t be allowed to donate—for your own safety. It’s best to get your iron levels checked regularly if you plan to be a repeat donor.

<strong>YOU MAY WANT TO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/can-you-have-anemia-by-donating-blood-article-151110665" data-type="tilCustomLink">Can You Have Anemia By Donating Blood?</a></strong>

Blood donation is a safe, simple, and generous act that can make a life-or-death difference. On this World Blood Donor Day, let’s pledge to stay informed and encourage more people to donate responsibly. As Dr. Pathak says, “With the right awareness and care, we can all contribute to building a healthier, more compassionate society.”

Health Conditions A-Z

health

blood donation rules

health and wellness

blood donation

world blood donor day

can you donate blood on period

can you donate blood on medications

can you donate blood after getting a tattoo

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On World Blood Donor Day, observed every year on June 14, the spotlight turns to the vital act of blood donation—an effort that saves millions of lives each year. Yet, many potential donors still hold back due to confusion or misinformation. To help clear the air, we spoke to Dr. Sangeeta Pathak, Director and Head of Transfusion Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, about the do’s and don’ts of blood donation. Here’s what we learned.ALSO READ: Who Can Donate Blood To Whom?Can Women Donate Blood During Their Period?This is one of the most common concerns, especially among first-time female donors. According to Dr. Pathak, as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, women are advised not to donate during their menstruation, particularly during the 4-5 days of active bleeding. However, they are completely eligible to donate at any other time of the month if they are in good health.What If You’re Recovering from Illness or Taking Medication?Health is key when it comes to blood donation. “A person should be completely healthy and free from fever or illness at the time of donation,” says Dr. Pathak. Moreover, certain medications can lead to deferral, and there is a comprehensive list maintained under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. So if you’re on a prescribed course, it’s best to consult a doctor or the blood bank before donating.Alcohol, Smoking and Blood Donation—What’s the Deal?While an occasional drinker may not be entirely disqualified, heavy alcohol consumption is a red flag. “Anyone who is under the influence or shows signs of intoxication should not be donating blood,” Dr. Pathak warns. Ideally, toxic substances like alcohol or nicotine should be avoided for several hours before donation, and if there is an emergency and the only available donor has consumed alcohol recently, it's safest to look for another eligible person.Basic Eligibility: Age, Weight, and HealthTo donate blood in India, you must be:18 to 65 years old (first-time donors should not be older than 60)Weigh at least 45 kg (for 350 ml of whole blood)Hemoglobin levels of at least 12.5 gm/dlFor apheresis (platelet or plasma donation), the minimum weight is 50 kg, and the age range is 18 to 60 years. Chronic illnesses and poor general health are automatic grounds for deferral.Tattoos and Piercings: Are You Temporarily Ineligible?Yes. If you’ve recently had a tattoo or body piercing, you’ll need to wait 12 months before you can donate blood. This is a precautionary step to ensure there’s no risk of transmitting infections.TO KNOW MORE, READ: How Long After a Tattoo or Piercing Can I Donate Blood?What to Eat (or Avoid) Before and After DonationA proper meal before donating is important, but fasting is not advised. “The donor should not be on an empty stomach, and their last meal should be at least four hours before donation,” explains Dr. Pathak. Avoid fatty foods before donating as they can interfere with blood testing. After donation, staying hydrated and consuming a light snack helps restore energy levels quickly.A Note on Low HemoglobinWomen, especially, often have concerns about low hemoglobin levels. If your levels are below 12.5 gm/dl, you won’t be allowed to donate—for your own safety. It’s best to get your iron levels checked regularly if you plan to be a repeat donor.YOU MAY WANT TO READ: Can You Have Anemia By Donating Blood?Blood donation is a safe, simple, and generous act that can make a life-or-death difference. On this World Blood Donor Day, let’s pledge to stay informed and encourage more people to donate responsibly. As Dr. Pathak says, “With the right awareness and care, we can all contribute to building a healthier, more compassionate society.”

world blood donor day 2025: thinking of donating blood? a doctor answers all your doubts

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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’

Study Links Childhood Trauma To Severe Uterine Disease

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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. 

study links childhood trauma to severe uterine disease

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

AI therapy

psychiatrist experiment with chatbot therapy

mental health

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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