The problem is that chatbots don't provide emotional support. To support someone with PTSD you help them gradually untangle the strong feelings around a stimulus and develop a less strong response. It's not fast and it's not linear but it requires a mix of empathy and facilitation.
Using an LLM for social interaction instead of real treatment is like taking heroin because you broke your leg, and not getting it set or immobilized.
> To support someone with PTSD you help them gradually untangle the strong feelings around a stimulus and develop a less strong response.
It's about replaying frightening thoughts and activities in safe environment. When the brain notices they don't trigger suffering it fears them less in the future. Chatbot can provide such safe environment.
Using an LLM for social interaction instead of real treatment is like taking heroin because you broke your leg, and not getting it set or immobilized.