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Artificial Intelligence Chatbots and Narcolepsy: Friend or Foe for Patient Information?
Francisco Henriques1, Christine Costa1,2, Bárbara Oliveiros3,4
1Pneumology Department, Local Health Unit of the Leiria Region, Leiria, Portugal.
European Neurology
|July 24, 2025
Summary
AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity provide mostly accurate information on narcolepsy. However, their responses require advanced reading levels and should be used alongside healthcare professional guidance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Narcolepsy is a rare, complex sleep disorder impacting daily life.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) shows promise for patient support in healthcare.
- AI's accuracy in specific medical fields needs thorough evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy, completeness, and readability of AI chatbot responses (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity) regarding narcolepsy.
- To assess the suitability of AI-generated health information for patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study evaluated 28 common narcolepsy questions across three AI chatbots.
- Responses were reviewed by three sleep physicians for accuracy and completeness.
- Readability was assessed using six validated formulas.
Main Results:
- All chatbots demonstrated "more correct than incorrect" to "completely correct" median accuracy.
- Gemini's responses were significantly less complete than ChatGPT and Perplexity.
- Chatbot responses generally required an advanced reading level, with Perplexity showing lower readability on five metrics.
Conclusions:
- AI chatbots can offer largely accurate information on narcolepsy.
- Limitations include advanced readability, not meeting health information standards.
- AI tools should supplement, not replace, guidance from healthcare professionals.
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