When Doctors Couldn’t Solve Their Medical Mysteries, They Turned to A.I.—discusses ME/CFS
Some women with complex chronic illnesses are using chatbots to search for diagnoses or relief from their symptoms.
Highlights patient with ME/CFS
Deborah Holcomb, 62, a former electrical engineer in San Diego, has myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and can move around for about 30 minutes a day. She finds chatbots invaluable for identifying symptom patterns and exploring treatment options, though she doesn’t make major changes without consulting a doctor.
But while chatbots are trained in part on the best evidence about ME/CFS, they are also trained on pseudoscientific ideas that spread among desperate patients, she noted, and on popular misconceptions.
Ms. Holcomb was alarmed when ChatGPT suggested “regular exercise,” because exercise intolerance is a hallmark of ME/CFS, and even mild activity can worsen symptoms. But, she added, some doctors make the same recommendation.
Some women with complex chronic illnesses are using chatbots to search for diagnoses or relief from their symptoms.
Highlights patient with ME/CFS
Deborah Holcomb, 62, a former electrical engineer in San Diego, has myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and can move around for about 30 minutes a day. She finds chatbots invaluable for identifying symptom patterns and exploring treatment options, though she doesn’t make major changes without consulting a doctor.
But while chatbots are trained in part on the best evidence about ME/CFS, they are also trained on pseudoscientific ideas that spread among desperate patients, she noted, and on popular misconceptions.
Ms. Holcomb was alarmed when ChatGPT suggested “regular exercise,” because exercise intolerance is a hallmark of ME/CFS, and even mild activity can worsen symptoms. But, she added, some doctors make the same recommendation.
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