Dr. Suvayan Saha Shares His Perspective at CEZIPS 2026
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming many areas of healthcare, including mental health. From assisting with information processing to supporting clinical decision-making, AI-powered tools are creating new opportunities for healthcare professionals. However, an important question remains: can artificial intelligence become a better psychiatrist than a psychiatrist?
This question was explored during a panel discussion at CEZIPS 2026, organised by the East Zone Indian Psychiatric Society. Dr. Suvayan Saha participated in the discussion and spoke against the motion, “AI will become a better psychiatrist than a psychiatrist.”
The discussion brought attention to the relationship between technology, human understanding and the future of psychiatric care.
Understanding the Human Side of Psychiatry
Psychiatry involves much more than identifying symptoms or analysing information. Every individual has a unique personal history, emotional experience, social environment and set of challenges. Understanding these factors is an important part of psychiatric assessment and care.
A psychiatrist must listen carefully, recognise emotional concerns, understand individual circumstances and build a relationship based on trust. Compassion, communication and clinical judgement play important roles in understanding a person’s mental health needs.
While AI can process information and identify patterns, these abilities alone cannot represent the full complexity of human experiences and relationships.
The Growing Role of AI in Mental Healthcare
Artificial intelligence has the potential to support mental healthcare in several ways. Depending on the application, AI-based tools may assist with organising clinical information, supporting documentation, providing educational resources and helping professionals access relevant information.
These technologies may offer useful support when developed and used responsibly. They can also encourage discussions about how digital tools can improve efficiency and support healthcare delivery.
However, AI systems have limitations. Their outputs may be inaccurate, incomplete or influenced by the information used to develop them. Privacy, confidentiality, fairness and accountability are also important considerations when using technology in healthcare.
For these reasons, AI should be viewed as a potential support tool rather than an automatic replacement for professional psychiatric care.
Why Human Clinical Judgement Matters
Mental health assessment often requires careful consideration of symptoms, personal experiences, medical history, family circumstances and social factors. Clinical decisions may also involve uncertainty, ethical responsibilities and sensitive conversations.
A psychiatrist brings professional training, clinical experience and human understanding to these situations. Establishing trust and responding sensitively to a person’s concerns remain important aspects of psychiatric practice.
Technology can contribute to the process, but responsible clinical care requires appropriate professional oversight and individualised assessment.
Moving Towards Responsible Innovation
Dr. Suvayan Saha’s participation in the CEZIPS 2026 panel discussion reflects the importance of examining emerging technologies through thoughtful professional debate.
The future of psychiatry may involve greater collaboration between human expertise and technological innovation. The key is to understand where AI can be useful, recognise its limitations and ensure that patient wellbeing remains central to every decision.
Ultimately, progress in mental healthcare should not be measured by technology alone. It should also be measured by the quality of care, ethical responsibility, patient trust and the ability to respond to individual needs.
As AI continues to evolve, meaningful dialogue between mental health professionals, researchers and technology developers will remain essential in shaping a responsible and patient-centred future for psychiatry.
