AI-Related Stress and Suicidal Tendencies in a Primary Care Cohort: Clinical Audit

Rapid AI integration has introduced novel psychosocial stressors. Little is known about AI-specific clinical impacts in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to assess AI-associated distress prevalence and nature in a Nigerian primary care and psychiatry clinic. Retrospective audit of 28 consecutive patients with anxiety, depression, or stress (April-August 2025) at J-Shalom Hospital, a primary care and psychiatry clinic in Ibadan. Technology-related stressor questions adapted from the AIAS (Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale) were incorporated into routine clinical interviews; C-SSRS (Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale) evaluated suicidality as part of standard clinical practice. A total of 67.9% (19/28; 95% CI 49.3%-82.1%) reported technology stress; 42.9% (12/28; 95% CI 26.5%-60.9%) identified AI-specific stressors. Chatbot distress was most common (n=7/12, 58.3%). Three patients (25.0%; 95% CI 8.9%-53.2%) reported worsening suicidal ideation following distressing chatbot interactions characterized by perceived rejection or invalidation. AI stressors are emerging clinical presentations. The chatbot-suicidality link demands urgent regulatory attention.