Man trades salt for sodium bromide after ChatGPT advice, lands in hospital with severe neuropsychiatric symptoms

The case report states that he consumed sodium bromide for three months, purchasing it online. When he eventually became unwell, he arrived at the hospital convinced his neighbour was poisoning him. Initially, he denied taking any supplements or medications, but later disclosed major dietary changes and that he had been drinking only distilled water.

Doctors observed severe symptoms, including hallucinations, paranoia, and skin issues. “He was noted to be very thirsty but paranoid about the water he was offered,” the report noted. He was diagnosed with bromism (bromide poisoning) and treated with fluids and electrolytes before being transferred to the hospital’s inpatient psychiatry unit.

Physicians concluded that he had misinterpreted ChatGPT’s response, where he read that “chloride can be swapped with bromide”, an advice they believe originated from cleaning-related instructions, not dietary recommendations.

The Annals article warns that AI tools can “generate scientific inaccuracies, lack the ability to critically discuss results, and ultimately fuel the spread of misinformation.”

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has recently launched an updated GPT-5-powered version of the chatbot, claiming improved health-related responses and stronger safeguards for “potential concerns” involving serious illness. However, the company reiterated that ChatGPT is not a substitute for professional care, stressing in its own guidelines that it is not “intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of any health condition.”