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An Introduction to Generative Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Care: Considerations and Guidance

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This paper provides an overview of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and the possible implications in the delivery of mental health care.

Recent Findings

Generative AI is a powerful technology that is changing rapidly. As psychiatrists, it is important for us to understand generative AI technology and how it may impact our patients and our practice of medicine.

Summary

This paper aims to build this understanding by focusing on GPT-4 and its potential impact on mental health care delivery. We first introduce key concepts and terminology describing how the technology works and various novel uses of it. We then dive into key considerations for GPT-4 and other large language models (LLMs) and wrap up with suggested future directions and initial guidance to the field.

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Data Availability

The author confirms that we do not analyse or generate any datasets in this work.

References

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Acknowledgements

The editors would like to thank Dr. Steven Richard Chan for taking the time to review this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, MC 8849, Dallas, TX 75390-8849, USA

    Darlene R. King & Sarah Hergert

  2. The University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-8830, USA

    Guransh Nanda

  3. Children’s Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13123 East 16th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    Joel Stoddard

  4. Department of Psychiatry and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Telemedicine Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop F800, 13055 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA

    Joel Stoddard, Allison Dempsey & Jay H. Shore

  5. Division of Digital Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    John Torous

  6. Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    John Torous

Authors
  1. Darlene R. King
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  2. Guransh Nanda
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Darlene R. King.

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Conflict of Interest

Darlene R. King, Guransh Nanda, Allison Dempsey, Sarah Hergert, and Jay H. Shore each declare no potential conflicts of interest. Joel Stoddard has received grants from the NIH, the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, the Colorado Office of Economic Development, and the Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation. Dr. Stoddard also has family equity in AbbVie, Merck, CVS, Bristol Meyers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Labs, and Pfizer. In addition, Dr. Stoddard has a patent 63/489,517 pending. John Torous is a scientific board member of Precision Mental Wellness.

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King, D.R., Nanda, G., Stoddard, J. et al. An Introduction to Generative Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Care: Considerations and Guidance. Curr Psychiatry Rep 25, 839–846 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-023-01477-x

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