AI has been hailed as a revolutionary tool for mental health available anytime, anywhere, and always ready to listen. But for people struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or OCD-like tendencies, that very availability can become part of the problem. In this post, we’ll explore the effects AI use can have on people living with OCD or OCD-like symptoms, and what to do if you suspect you may be struggling with compulsive use of AI.
Psychoeducation: OCD & Reassurance Seeking
OCD is characterized by intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and the behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) used to try to neutralize or relieve that distress. One of the hallmark compulsions of OCD is reassurance seeking, e.g., repeatedly asking others (or oneself) for certainty or comfort about fears.
For example, a person might be anxious that they are going to get sick, so they seek reassurance from someone else that they don't look or feel sick (hypochondria is a common presentation of OCD). If they ask a friend or loved one, they might temporarily feel soothed by the response, "no, you don't look sick.” While reassurance feels good in the moment, it reinforces the brain’s belief that the feared thought was dangerous and that the compulsion was necessary, and ultimately strengthens the cycle of intrusive thoughts.
How AI Impacts OCD Reassurance-Seeking Cycles
There are several characteristics of generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT that make it easy for someone with OCD to adopt it as a compulsion.
AI is endlessly available, unlike the people around us. A partner, parent, or friend might eventually get tired of repeated questioning, but AI is designed to respond 24/7, without limits.
AI is designed to be agreeable and helpful to the user, so it often provides soothing, validating, or “safe” answers rather than gently challenging compulsions like a friend or loved one might.
Unlike therapy, AI does not set boundaries around reassurance or teach clients strategies to tolerate distress and uncertainty.
These factors create a “perfect storm” where AI can act as an always-accessible reassurance source, reinforcing compulsive loops. Historically, reassurance-seeking happened peer-to-peer, but in the age of AI a person can procure this reassurance instantly without limit about any issue, when a friend or loved one might get fatigued and burnout on providing reassurance. With this limitless reassurance at their fingertips, clients unknowingly reinforce the patterns that make their OCD worse.
Why Obsessive Compulsive Use of AI Matters Clinically
One of the keys to treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is helping clients practice tolerating uncertainty and feelings of distress through therapy methods like Exposure and Response Prevention or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Clients may unwittingly use AI as a digital compulsion, which undermines this therapeutic work. Instead of practicing tolerating uncertainty, they can fall into an endless cycle of reassurance at 2AM, at work, or any time intrusive thoughts arise. Over time, this can make OCD symptoms more entrenched and harder to treat.
Building Mindful Habits for AI Use
AI isn’t inherently bad for mental health –– it can support psychoeducation, journaling prompts, or practicing guided mindfulness. The key is intention and boundaries: using AI as a therapeutic supplement (like a guided tool), not as a substitute for professional support.
If you’re struggling with setting boundaries with yourself around use of AI –– or any other technology –– you’re not alone. A licensed therapist can work with you on how to practice mindfulness, set limits, dig deep on what’s driving compulsive behaviors, and find healthier ways of coping. Reach out today to get connected with one of our therapists at ECC.
ABOUT ECC:
Empowered Connections Counseling is a practice of licensed therapists providing quality, multidisciplinary counseling for adults, children & teens, relationships, and families in Chicago and across Illinois. Whether by in-person session or via telehealth, we work with clients to find the therapist and treatment methods that best suit their needs. Connect meaningfully with your life by booking an appointment today.