Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of our lives, its potential impact on psychotherapy is drawing attention. This essay examines the use of AI, specifically the text based generative AI 'PsychGPT', in providing therapeutic services for individuals with eating disorders. While AI-based therapy is more accessible and affordable, it raises concerns regarding its ability to perceive and interpret non-verbal cues as well as to provide social support. The essay highlights human therapists' ability to perceive the non-verbal cues of patients with eating disorders and provide targeted support. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of social support and empathic interactions, which are currently provided by human therapists only. In the end, the essay proposes a collaborative approach to deal with these two challenges, where AI systems can help in preliminary diagnoses and data analysis, while human therapists use the information to deliver therapy. This integrated solution aims to enhance treatment efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure compassionate care for individuals with eating disorders. By combining the strengths of AI and human therapists, we can strive to improve the quality and accessibility of mental health services for people with eating disorders.

Keywords: AI, Eating Disorders, PsychGPT, Social Support, Mental Health

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