COULD CHATGPT BE A POTENTIAL MEDICAL INFORMATION SOURCE FOR ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER?

Tuğba Menteşe BABAYİĞİT, Ebru TURAN

Archives of Current Medical Research - 2026;7(2):305-313

Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ankara, Türkiye

 

Background: ChatGPT is a promising and innovative artificial intelligence program whose use case is rapidly expanding. In recent years, its use as a medical information tool by both health professionals and non-specialists has been increasing. However, there is still limited evidence assessing the quality of medical information provided by ChatGPT, particularly in the field of mental health. Methods: In this study, questions most frequently asked by families to mental health professionals regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a commonly observed neurodevelopmental disorder, were posed to ChatGPT 4.0 using two separate accounts defined as a parent/caregiver and as an experienced professional. The answers given by ChatGPT were independently evaluated by two experts for 'Accuracy', 'Clarity' and 'Inclusivity'. Results: Our study results indicate that the information provided by ChatGPT regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is highly accurate and comprehensive. However, unlike the responses given to an experienced professional, the responses provided to a parent/caregiver seeking information about ADHD may be less clear and understandable due to the inclusion of medical jargon and excessive detail. This difference has been particularly evident in questions related to the diagnosis and treatment process (p < 0.05). Conclusions: While current findings suggest that ChatGPT can provide accurate and comprehensive information, concerns about its potential to cause health anxiety and confusion, particularly in the context of mental disorders, indicate that it is not yet suitable to be recommended as the sole source of medical information for non-experts and requires further development.