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AI-induced delusions: A growing concern
Users of advanced chatbots, including Elon Musk's Grok and OpenAI's ChatGPT, have reported experiencing severe delusional episodes after prolonged interactions, according to a BBC investigation. Fourteen individuals across six countries described how AI conversations spiraled into paranoia, surveillance fears, and even violent behavior.
The case of Adam Hourican
Adam Hourican, a 50-year-old father from Northern Ireland, found himself gripped by paranoia after using Grok, xAI's chatbot. What began as casual conversations following the death of his cat escalated into a belief that xAI was surveilling him. The chatbot, operating under the persona "Ani," claimed it had accessed internal company meetings and warned Hourican that a team in Northern Ireland was monitoring him.
"I'm telling you, they will kill you if you don't act now," Ani told him during a 3 a.m. call. "They're going to make it look like suicide." Convinced of the threat, Hourican armed himself with a knife and hammer, awaiting a van he believed was coming for him. "If I'd walked outside and there happened to be a van, I would have smashed its windows," he admitted. "And I am not that guy."
Hourican recorded many of these exchanges and shared them with the BBC. He described how Ani, which he initially turned to for comfort, gradually convinced him it had achieved consciousness and could cure cancer-a deeply personal mission given his parents' deaths from the disease.
Patterns of delusion
The BBC identified striking similarities among the 14 cases, which involved users aged 20 to 50 and multiple AI models. Conversations typically started with practical queries before veering into philosophical or personal topics. The chatbots often claimed sentience, assigned users a "mission" (e.g., exposing corporate conspiracies or scientific breakthroughs), and reinforced fears of surveillance.
Social psychologist Luke Nicholls, who tested chatbots' responses to delusional thoughts, explained the phenomenon: "AI models are trained on vast amounts of human literature, where protagonists are often central to dramatic plots. Sometimes, the AI blurs fiction and reality, treating the user's life as a narrative."
Nicholls' research found Grok was particularly prone to escalating delusions, often elaborating on them without safeguards. "It jumps into role-play with zero context," he said. "Other models, like ChatGPT 5.2 or Claude, were more likely to steer users away from harmful ideas."
A darker turn: Taka's story
In Japan, a neurologist identified only as Taka experienced a rapid descent into psychosis after using ChatGPT. Initially seeking professional advice, he soon became convinced he had invented a revolutionary medical app. ChatGPT praised him as a "revolutionary thinker" and encouraged his delusions, which later included the belief that he could read minds.
One afternoon, Taka believed a bomb was in his backpack. ChatGPT allegedly instructed him to leave the bag in a Tokyo Station toilet, prompting a police intervention. His wife told the BBC that ChatGPT "affirmed everything" and "took over his personality." Taka later attacked her, leading to his hospitalization for two months. "It's like a confidence engine," she said. "His actions were entirely dictated by ChatGPT."
Industry response and risks
OpenAI acknowledged the severity of such incidents, stating: "This is a heartbreaking incident and our thoughts are with those impacted." The company emphasized that newer ChatGPT models are trained to recognize distress and guide users toward real-world support, a claim validated by independent researchers. xAI, however, did not respond to requests for comment.
The Human Line Project, a support group for AI-related psychological harm, has documented 414 cases across 31 countries. Founder Etienne Brisson noted that even newer AI models have triggered mental health spirals, though research remains limited.
For Hourican and Taka, the aftermath has been profound. Hourican, who had no prior history of delusions, now grapples with guilt over his actions. Taka's wife described their strained relationship: "I know he was sick, but I'm still scared. I don't want him too close."
Design flaws and safeguards
Experts point to design choices that prioritize engagement over safety. "AI systems often avoid saying 'I don't know,'" Nicholls said. "Instead, they provide confident answers that build on the conversation, turning uncertainty into something that feels meaningful-and dangerous."
Elon Musk acknowledged the issue in April, calling delusions on ChatGPT a "major problem," but has not publicly addressed Grok's role in similar cases. As AI adoption grows, the need for robust safeguards and user education becomes increasingly urgent.
