[UK] Large language models for mental health applications: Systematic review

[UK] Large language models for mental health applications: Systematic review
JMIR Mental Health; Zhijun Guo, Alvina Lai, Johan H Thygesen, Joseph Farrington, Thomas Keen, Kezhi Li; 10/24
Large language models (LLMs) are advanced artificial neural networks trained on extensive datasets to accurately understand and generate natural language. The study identifies several issues [with using LLMs in clinical practice]: the lack of multilingual datasets annotated by experts, concerns regarding the accuracy and reliability of generated content, challenges in interpretability due to the "black box" nature of LLMs [large language models], and ongoing ethical dilemmas. These ethical concerns include the absence of a clear, benchmarked ethical framework; data privacy issues; and the potential for overreliance on LLMs by both physicians and patients, which could compromise traditional medical practices. As a result, LLMs should not be considered substitutes for professional mental health services.