AN NHS boss has warned people with mental health problems to avoid using artificial intelligence (AI) for support over Christmas.

Dr Adrian James, national medical director for mental health at NHS England, said the technology was a “fantastic resource when used appropriately” but it cannot be “relied upon for everything and in some cases can be dangerous.”

He said it is “vital” that people know they can turn to the health service over the festive period, either by calling 111, referring themselves to talking therapies online, or by seeing their GP.

His comments come after a survey by the charity Mental Health UK published last month showed more than a third of adults had turned to AI chatbots for help with their wellbeing.

Dr James said: “My biggest worry is for those users who are at risk of losing touch with reality.

“During an episode of psychosis, people are at higher risk of self-harm and suicide, and chatbots have an in-built preference to agree while lacking the sophistication to pick up on and to challenge problematic thoughts — this could lead to potentially dangerous situations.”