Czech Ministry of Health warns against using AI for medical diagnoses

The Czech Ministry of Health has issued a warning regarding a growing trend where individuals use artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT or Gemini, to self-diagnose mental health issues. This shift is largely driven by a significant shortage of psychologists and psychotherapists, with wait times for specialists often stretching several months.

Data indicates that the percentage of people needing psychological help but failing to receive it has risen from 0.5 percent to 2.4 percent. While the Czech Republic maintains a higher-than-average number of doctors per capita, there is a critical lack of specialists, many of whom are retiring without successors. The Ministry aims to establish clearer rules for the use of AI in diagnostics to prevent citizens from potentially harming themselves through inaccurate automated advice.

In the context of seeking professional help, experts suggest that patients should verify a therapist's education, training, and specific areas of expertise rather than relying solely on marketing or personal sympathy. It is noted that finding the right professional may require trying multiple specialists to establish trust and safety.