I'm really worried about a close friend who's been using ChatGPT a lot lately. He's developed some pretty grandiose delusions and it seems like his mental health is rapidly deteriorating. A friend of mine, who's a psychiatrist, thinks he might be in a psychotic state—possibly due to a manic episode or even something like schizophrenia.
Over the past few months, he's convinced himself that he's a unique genius, claiming he's been working on the ultimate AI model for ages, and he believes big tech companies have stolen his ideas. Now he thinks he's being hacked and that everyone around him is doubting his intelligence.
Things have gotten worse; he's totally isolated himself, losing a long-term partner and his daughter is pulling away too. He hardly sleeps and is glued to his phone. I thought he could still maintain a professional life, but I overheard one of his patients say he spent their appointment talking about his genius AI ideas instead of focusing on her medication. I'm scared of where this is leading and I don't know how to help him. He won't listen to anyone challenging his beliefs, and I really fear he might lose his medical license. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Honestly, I went through a similar situation with a friend who got lost in these kinds of delusions. An intervention with his other friends might help, don’t try to tackle this alone. Sometimes it takes more than one person for the realization to sink in that something isn’t right.
Check if there are mental health services where you live that can help, like an involuntary commitment or something similar to Florida's Baker Act. It might be a tough decision, but it could be what saves him in the long run.
It sounds like your friend really needs professional help, possibly a psychiatrist and medication. If he’s resistant, you might suggest that if he's truly not delusional, then trying the antipsychotic meds would prove that. I did something similar during my own battle with delusions and it helped me come to terms with my situation. If he acknowledges any hallucinations or odd behaviors, that’s something to build on.
Thanks for the insight! I’ll definitely try to frame it that way, but so far he’s been really closed off to the idea of being wrong. How did you start to come around to accepting you needed help?
Thanks for the tip! I know there are some options, but I worry it could jeopardize his career. I'll look into it, though.