Can Large Language Models Simulate Patients with Mental Health Conditions? Meet Patient-Ψ: A Novel Patient Simulation Framework for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Training
How many people are affected by mental illness globally?
Mental illness affects one in eight people globally, with many lacking access to adequate treatment. This equates to approximately 970 million people around the world living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders being the most common5. The number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders rose significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 26% and 28% increase respectively in just one year5.
What is the main challenge in mental health professional training?
The main challenge in mental health professional training is the disconnect between formal education and real-world patient interactions, resulting in unrealistic and insufficient preparation for trainees.
What principles does PATIENT-Ψ use in its simulations?
PATIENT-Ψ uses cognitive models based on CBT principles and integrates them with Large Language Models (LLMs) to simulate therapy patients. This innovative patient simulation framework for CBT training uniquely grounds its simulations in CBT principles, incorporates feedback mechanisms, and evaluates effectiveness with mental health professionals and trainees6.