MENTAL HEALTH IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: TECHNOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ETHICAL DILEMMAS

Abstract

This study analyzed how artificial intelligence (AI), especially chatbots, contributes to the healthcare field and the challenges related to its safe implementation. This is an integrative literature review conducted using databases such as Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), ResearchGate, PubMed/MEDLINE, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), as well as institutional repositories. Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) combined with the Boolean operators AND and OR were used. The inclusion criteria consisted of articles published between 2020 and 2025 in Portuguese and English, resulting in 15 studies fully analyzed. The results showed that technological innovations can generate significant impacts on mental health, highlighting AI as a promising tool for new forms of healthcare delivery. In addition, the studies addressed ethical risks related to the use of these technologies, especially regarding privacy, data security, and possible impacts on the care of psychologically vulnerable individuals. The potential of AI as support for nursing practice was also highlighted, particularly in the context of professional workload, limited resources, and the need to maintain quality of care. It is concluded that the use of AI in healthcare presents relevant benefits; however, it requires regulation, ethical supervision, and safe implementation.