Applications of artificial intelligence in mental health from a scientific perspective: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55892/jrg.v9i20.3050Keywords:
Mental health, Artificial Intelligence, Systematic review, Health technologyAbstract
This study aimed to map and analyze recent scientific production on the interface between mental health and Artificial Intelligence through a systematic literature review. The research sought to identify the main applications of AI in mental health care, as well as its contributions, limitations, ethical challenges, and future perspectives. The search was conducted between January and February 2026 in the PsycINFO, PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, CLASE, BVS-Psi, PePSIC, and Redalyc databases, using the descriptors “mental health” and “artificial intelligence,” combined with Boolean operators. Articles published between 2020 and 2025, written in Portuguese and English, and available in full text were included. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 articles were selected for the final analysis. The findings indicate that Artificial Intelligence has been mainly applied through chatbots, digital applications, screening systems, symptom monitoring, and clinical decision support, demonstrating potential to expand access to mental health care, reduce geographic and organizational barriers, and support continuity of care. However, the studies also highlight limitations related to the lack of genuine human empathy, ethical risks, data privacy concerns, and the need for professional supervision. It is concluded that Artificial Intelligence constitutes a promising complementary tool in the mental health field, provided it is integrated into ethical, regulated, and human-centered care practices.
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