Is depression linked to AI for personal use?

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools—are powerful tools with new products and features becoming increasingly available.  We are increasingly using AI for work, school, and personal use.

A recent study in JAMA Network Open looked at whether this impacted depression symptoms, and is one of the first large‑scale looks at this emerging issue (1).

What Was the Study? (1)

Researchers conducted a U.S. nationwide internet survey between April and May 2025, analyzing responses from adults across all 50 states (1)

  • 20,847 adults, ages 18 and older
  • Participants self‑reported:
    • Frequency of generative AI use
    • Use of social media
  • Depressive symptoms were measured using the PHQ‑9, a widely used clinical screening tool for depression
  • Data were analyzed in August 2025

The goal was to understand whether frequency of AI use was associated with higher levels of negative affect, independent of other factors.

What Were the Results? (1)

Generative AI use was common but varied widely:

  • 10.3% of U.S. adults reported using generative AI daily
  • 5.3% reported using AI multiple times per day
  • Daily users most commonly reported:
    • Work‑related use (48%)
    • Personal use (87%)
    • Smaller proportions used AI for school

When mental health outcomes were examined:

  • Daily or more frequent AI use was associated with higher depressive symptom scores; in this sample, it was mainly for personal use (not school or work)
  • Adults who used AI daily had approximately 30% greater odds of at least moderate depression
  • The association was strongest among younger adults, compared with older age groups

 

What are some caveats?

This was a cross-sectional study which shows a snapshot but cause and effect.

Although our results are consistent with personal AI use causing greater depressive symptoms, they are equally consistent with greater depressive symptoms precipitating greater AI use, or with neither of these.

The study did not account for ither confounding effects, such as preexisting psychiatric diagnoses.

What Does This Mean?

This study does not suggest that generative AI is inherently harmful. Instead, it raises important questions about how, why, and by whom these tools are being used.

Possible explanations for the observed association include:

  • People experiencing depression may be more likely to turn to AI tools
  • Heavy AI use could displace social interaction, sleep, or restorative activities
  • AI use may reflect broader patterns of screen time, isolation, or stress
  • Future research is needed to clarify mechanisms, directionality, and individual differences in how AI use relates to mental health (1)

What Does This Mean for Everyday Life?

As with other digital tools, intentional use matters. Some practical considerations include:

  • How and why AI and technology is used matters
  • Balance technology use with real world connection and health behaviors such has sleep, activity level, real life social interactions, nutrition, off screen leisure activities, etc. (2)
  • Be mindful during periods of low mood 
  • Use AI and technology as an adjunctive tool, not a substitute for professional mental healthcare (2)

 

By Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA
OSU‑CCS Psychiatrist
Contact: patel.2350@osu.edu

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes. With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented.

Reference

  1. Perlis RH, Gunning FM, Usla A, et al. Generative AI Use and Depressive Symptoms Among US Adults. JAMA Network Open. 2026;9(1):e2554820. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.54820
  2. Patel R. Mental Health For College Students Chapter 8. Technology, media, and mental health.

Does screen time create adhd symptoms?

For many students, screen time is a daily reality—whether for school, social media, or entertainment.  A previous post discussed how more than 1 hour per day of screen time for entertainment negatively impacts mental health (1). Yet gen Z averages about 7 hours of screen time per day! (2)

A new study published in Translational Psychiatry (Nature) highlights how screen time is linked to ADHD symptom development, with brain structure playing a mediating role (3).

What Was the Study? (3)

  • Researchers analyzed large-scale longitudinal data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, followed 10,116 children at baseline (ages 9–10) and 7,880 children at a two-year follow-up (3)
  • They examined how screen time related to ADHD symptoms and whether changes in brain structure explained this relationship (3)

What Were the Results? (3)

  • Higher levels of daily screen use were associated with increased ADHD symptoms (3)
  • Differences in brain regions tied to attention and impulse control mediated the relationship between screen time and ADHD (3)
  • The impact of screen time wasn’t static—it influenced how ADHD symptoms evolved as children grew (3)
  • They found that passive use (like scrolling) had stronger negative associations with inattention than interactive or educational use (3)

What Does This Mean?

  • This study suggests that screen habits can shape both behavior and brain development.
  • While technology is unavoidable in modern life, excessive or unstructured screen time may contribute to attention difficulties.
  • For students, this means being mindful of how digital habits affect focus, learning, and long-term mental health.

There are many strategies to use technology in healthy ways (4, 5) some of them include:

  • Set limits: Limit technology for entertainment to 1 hour per day (5)
  • Disconnect, pause, breathe and collect yourself: Instead of grabbing your phone during spare time, disconnect from electronics to reflect, recharge, relax; and collect yourself (6)
  • Schedule screen free time for nutritious meals and atleast 8 hours of sleep as this can benefit many aspects of physical and mental health
  • Physical activity: Movement, exercise, playing sports can also help address the negative mental health effects of excessive sedentary behavior and screen time
  • Mindful technology use: Instead of mindless “infinite” scrolling, consider your goal before starting a device or program (4)
  • Schedule time to connect with others

By Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA
OSU-CCS Psychiatrist
Contact: patel.2350@osu.edu

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes. With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented.

References:

    1. https://u.osu.edu/emotionalfitness/?paged=3
    2. Moody, R. (2022, March 21). Screen Time Statistics: Average Screen Time in US vs. the rest of the world – Comparitech. www.comparitech.com. https://www.comparitech.com/tv-  streaming/screen-time-statistics
    3. Shou, Q., Yamashita, M., Mizuno, Y. (2025). Association of screen time with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and their development: the mediating role of brain structure. Translational Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-025-03672-1
    4. Ballard D. Connected and content: Managing healthy technology use. American Psychological Association.  https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-technology-use
    5. Patel R. Mental Health For College Students Chapter 8. Technology, media, and mental health.
    6. https://u.osu.edu/emotionalfitness/?p=855

 

Using AI for mental health support: benefit vs limitations

Sometimes students turn to AI for mental health support but this is NOT a replacement for professional treatment, it is NOT intended for emergencies, and NOT for therapy.  Using AI for mental health is not without risks (noted below). A recent article discusses considerations for using Google Gemini AI for mental health (1).

Combining traditional wellness practices with digital tools like Google Gemini can provide more accessible, personalized support.

Here are some examples (1):

Step Action How Google Gemini Helps
1 Assessment & Baseline: Reflect on current emotional wellbeing habits, stress levels, sleep, etc. Gemini can help you create baseline surveys, interpret wearable data.
2 Set Goals: Specific, measurable, realistic mental health goals (e.g. reduce anxiety, improve sleep). Gemini can suggest goal‑setting frameworks, help you refine goals.
3 Plan Interventions: Choose from the practices above that suit you. Gemini can help pick appropriate interventions; schedule reminders.
4 Tools & Resources: Apps, guided meditations, wearable trackers. Gemini can help you identify additional resources that may be helpful.
5 Monitor & Iterate: Track your progress; note what works, what doesn’t. Gemini can analyze your logs, suggest adjustments.
6 Support Network & Professional Help: Use community,  professional therapy, peer support when needed. Gemini can help you locate local professionals, support groups, create checklists for sessions.  For mental health support options at OSU, go here: https://ccs.osu.edu/services/mental-health-resources
 

 

Using Google Gemini to enhance 10 Evidence‑Based Practices that support Mental health (1)

1 Mindfulness and Meditation such as seated meditation, body scan, mindful breathing.

  • Benefits: Reduced stress and anxiety, improved emotional regulation, increased attention span.
  • AI / Google Gemini’s role: Can generate personalized guided meditations; suggest mindfulness prompts; help analyze meditation logs; recommend apps, practices based on user’s mood.

2 Physical activity such as Aerobic exercise, strength training, yoga, etc.

  • Benefits: Releases endorphins; improves mood; reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  • How to do it: Regular routine (e.g., 30 mins, 3‑5 times/week); choose types you enjoy.
  • AI / Google Gemini’s role: Reminders, custom workout plans; tracking progress; motivating messages; adapting plan based on feedback.

3 Adequate Sleep Hygiene such as consistent schedule, avoiding caffeine at night, limiting screen time before bed.

  • Benefits: Better mood, improved cognitive function, reduced risk of mental health disorders.
  • How to do it: Set regular wake/sleep times, create sleep‑friendly bedroom, avoid blue light at night.
  • AI / Google Gemini’s role: Suggest improvements; analyze sleep trackers; recommend sleep routines; issue alerts when patterns deteriorate.

4 Balanced Nutrition with whole foods: vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats; reducing processed foods.

  • Benefits: Affects brain health (neurotransmitters); energy stability; mood stabilization.
  • How to do it: Meal planning; nutrition; hydration.
  • AI / Google Gemini’s role: Suggest recipes; smooth meal planning; help adjust nutrition to lifestyle; track nutritional deficiencies.

5 Social Connection such as Maintaining friendships, community engagement, supportive relationships.

  • Benefits: Lower rates of depression and anxiety; buffer stress; improve wellbeing.
  • How to do it: Regular catch‑ups; joining interest groups; volunteering; quality time.
  • AI / Google Gemini’s role: Reminders to reach out; suggest local groups; help draft messages; coach on communication skills.

6 Cognitive Behavioral Techniques such as reframing negative thoughts, behavioral activation.

  • Benefits: Strong evidence in reducing depression, anxiety; improving resilience.
  • How to do it: Identify negative thinking patterns; set small behavioral goals.
  • AI / Google Gemini’s role: Guide journaling; challenge unhelpful thoughts; suggest techniques.

7 Journaling and Reflective Practices such as Writing down thoughts, gratitude journaling, reflection on daily experience.

  • Benefits: Helps process emotions; increases self‑awareness; reduces rumination.
  • AI / Google Gemini’s role: Provide prompts; analyze themes over time; offer feedback; suggest reflection questions.

8 Limiting Screen Time & Digital Detox, especially social media or negative content; periodic breaks.

  • Benefits: Improves sleep, reduces anxiety, improves concentration.
  • How to do it: Set screen‑free hours; remove apps; use blue‑light filters; substitute with offline activities.
  • AI / Google Gemini’s role: Monitor usage; suggest schedule for detox; send reminders; provide alternative offline ideas.

9 Nature Exposure such as Time outdoors, green spaces, forests, parks, natural light.

  • Benefits: Reduces stress; improves mood; improves attention; sometimes lowers blood pressure.
  • How to do it: Daily walks; gardening; sitting outside; weekend hikes.
  • AI / Google Gemini’s role: Suggest nearby parks; remind to get outside; provide information on nature therapy; support tracking nature exposure.

10 Professional Support & Therapy: Talking to mental health professionals (therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists), possibly medication if needed.

  • Benefits: Tailored treatment; long‑term improvement; skills development.
  • How to do it: Seek licensed professional; assess online therapy options; ensure credentials; set expectations.
  • AI / Google Gemini’s role: Provide information on finding providers; clarify what therapy entails; prepare questions; help understand treatment options; supplement (not replace) professional help. https://ccs.osu.edu/services/mental-health-resources

Potential Risks and Ethical Considerations (1)

AI‑assisted mental wellness has promise, but also comes with risks, so being aware can help in using such tools safely.

  • Accuracy & Hallucinations: As studies show, models including Gemini may sometimes produce incorrect or misleading outputs. For medical or mental health matters, this can be harmful.
  • Privacy & Data Security: Mental health data, sensor data, journal entries are highly sensitive. Ensuring secure storage, consent, transparency in use is crucial. Understand terms and conditions and avoid entering private, confidential, individually identifiable information whenever possible.
  • Overreliance on AI / Self‑Diagnosis: Tools should support, not replace, professional help. Self‑managing with AI alone might delay getting necessary care.
  • Bias and Culture: Mental health concepts and practices are culture‑sensitive. What works in one region might not be valid in another. AI trained on biased datasets may misinterpret nonwestern expressions of distress.
  • Ethical / Regulatory Compliance: Data protection laws (e.g. HIPAA, GDPR), professional guidelines, licensing issues for digital health tools must be respected. Take time to familiarize your self with these features/ data limitations of the AI you are using.
  • Limitations: Limitations include potential inaccuracies, lack of emotional nuance, data privacy concerns, and an inability to provide licensed therapeutic interventions.

Additional resources: For mental health support options at OSU, go here: https://ccs.osu.edu/services/mental-health-resources

By Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA
OSU-CCS Psychiatrist
Contact: patel.2350@osu.edu

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes.  With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented.

References:

  1. https://www.quickobook.com/healthfeed/view/how-google-gemini-is-transforming-mental-wellness-10-proven-ways-to-improve-your-mind-and-mood