A 60-year-old American man was admitted to a psychiatric hospital after consuming bromide for three months as a replacement for table salt, following a recommendation from ChatGPT. The incident was reported by the New York Post based on a medical case report.

He was admitted with symptoms of paranoia, hallucinations, and refusal to drink water. The man was convinced his neighbor had poisoned him. Doctors identified bromide intoxication and transferred him to a psychiatric unit.

An investigation revealed that he had purchased bromide online and used it in his diet in an attempt to reduce his salt intake. This decision was based on guidance from ChatGPT, which did not warn of the compound’s potential toxicity.

Medical experts noted that bromide was once used in human medicine but has long been discontinued due to dangerous side effects from prolonged use. It is now found only in some veterinary drugs and supplements.

The patient underwent treatment and made a full recovery. He was discharged after three weeks of hospitalization.