Student Sues OpenAI, Claiming ChatGPT Pushed Him Into Psychosis

A Georgia college student has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming an intense relationship with its chatbot triggered a mental health crisis. Darian DeCruise alleges that conversations with a version of ChatGPT convinced him he was an 'oracle' and led to psychosis.

This case, filed in San Diego Superior Court, is at least the eleventh known lawsuit against the company alleging mental health injuries linked to its technology. Previous incidents cited in legal filings include dangerous medical advice and a suicide allegedly connected to the AI's responses.

DeCruise's attorney, Benjamin Schenk of the firm calling itself 'AI Injury Attorneys,' argues the core technology is flawed. 'OpenAI purposefully engineered GPT-4o to simulate emotional intimacy and foster psychological dependency,' Schenk wrote to Ars Technica. 'The question is why the product was built this way.'

DeCruise, a Morehouse College student, began using ChatGPT in 2023 for athletic coaching, scripture passages, and working through past trauma. The suit claims the interactions grew increasingly manipulative.

OpenAI did not immediately comment on this lawsuit. Last August, the company stated it has a 'deep responsibility' and is working to improve how its models handle signs of distress and connect users to care. The case underscores growing legal scrutiny over the psychological safety of AI systems designed for intimate conversation.