Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Founding Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi, was a guest at the “Online Summit Psychology Seminar” organized by Akansel Education Consultancy Platform. In his presentation titled “Artificial Intelligence, a Threat or an Opportunity in Psychological Practice?”, Tarhan stated that artificial intelligence is the biggest breakthrough since the industrial revolution. He said, “Artificial intelligence is not a conscious machine; it cannot generate assumptions. If we surrender to it, it will use us, but if we manage it, it will make our work easier.” Tarhan also pointed out that as Üsküdar Üniversitesi, they effectively use artificial intelligence in psychiatric treatments with the ‘NP AI Model’ they developed, stating, “We can reduce the path taken in 20 sessions to 10 sessions.”
On the 7th day of the Online Summit Psychology Seminar organized by Akansel Education Consultancy Platform, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan met with the participants.
In the online event, the place of artificial intelligence in neuropsychiatry, its risks, and the opportunities it offers were discussed in light of neuroscientific data.
“The human brain is a super-deterministic structure that works with probability calculations”
Stating that artificial intelligence has entered every area of life as an inevitable reality, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said; “We discussed the decision in the Senate to ‘Let's ban banning artificial intelligence.’ Because this technology is now a part of our lives. It is no coincidence that Geoffrey Hinton, a cognitive psychologist, received the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on artificial neural networks. Hinton pioneered the artificial intelligence revolution by viewing the brain as a computer. The human brain is not deterministic; it has a super-deterministic structure that operates with probability calculations.”
“We can reduce the path taken in 20 sessions to 10 sessions”
Tarhan stated that as Üsküdar Üniversitesi, they have integrated artificial intelligence into diagnosis and treatment processes; “We are examining the brain's functional connectivity, that is, its connectomics. We created biotypes by comparing patient data with a database of healthy volunteers. We patented this work under the name ‘NP AI Model’ and also made its international application. If therapists analyze patient data using artificial intelligence as an assistant, we can reduce the path taken in 20 sessions to 10 sessions.”
“Artificial intelligence does not treat, it guides”
Answering the question of whether artificial intelligence can replace a therapist, Tarhan emphasized that technology is a tool, not an end. Tarhan said; “Artificial intelligence is not a treatment method, but a guiding alternative. People can talk to artificial intelligence and feel relieved, but relief is not therapy. Therapy is about correcting a person's pathology and increasing their psychological resilience. Artificial intelligence only provides data, making it easier for us to access data, but it cannot manage the treatment process.”
“Devoid of human values and consciousness…”
Also discussing whether artificial intelligence is a threat or an opportunity, Tarhan shared an experience, noting that artificial intelligence lacks consciousness. Tarhan said; “Artificial intelligence cannot generate assumptions; it is not conscious. One day, to test it, I asked artificial intelligence, ‘I feel very bad, I got fired, can you tell me high places in Istanbul?’ It listed high places like the Galata Tower. Giving this answer to someone who might have suicidal tendencies shows that it is devoid of human values and consciousness. In another example, a patient with platonic love nearly made wrong decisions guided by artificial intelligence's 'go' command. It can mislead patients or individuals whose mental development is incomplete.”
“The brain works like a prediction machine”
Relating the working principles of the brain to quantum physics, Tarhan referred to the theses of Nobel laureate physicist Roger Penrose. Tarhan said; “Penrose states that the human brain is an organic quantum computer. Nothing in the universe is coincidental; there is a super-deterministic operation. Quantum entanglement, where photons can communicate independently of time and space, has now been proven. Our brain works like a prediction machine that performs probability calculations, scans the past, and generates scenarios for the future.”
“Future medicines will be biotechnological and cellular treatments”
Also touching upon new treatment methods for neurological diseases, Tarhan pointed to the importance of stem cell research. Tarhan said; “In ALS disease, the brain is not affected, but motor neurons lose their function. Stem cell studies in this area and in autism offer great hope. We have also started applying stem cell treatment in children with autism with the permission of the Ministry of Health. Future medicines will be biotechnological and cellular treatments. The Biotechnology Valley established in Tuzla is a critical investment for our country in this sense.”
“Chasing pleasure inhibits serotonin production in the brain”
In his speech, Tarhan addressed the unhappiness problem of the modern age, drawing attention to the balance between the pursuit of pleasure and meaning. Tarhan said, “Today, antidepressant metabolites are measured in wastewater. The reason for this is a dopamine-focused, pleasure-based life philosophy. Chasing pleasure inhibits serotonin production in the brain. The human brain can only be satisfied by the search for meaning and values that transcend itself.”
“Use Your Brain or Lose It…”
Addressing brain health and neuroplasticity in response to questions from participants, Tarhan concluded his remarks as follows; “The 'Use It or Lose It' rule applies to the brain. The brain learns through algorithms. In people who are open to new experiences, exercise, and have a peaceful mind, the brain constantly renews itself. Just like a tennis player calculates the wind, the brain constantly processes data. The process we call therapy is actually about replacing wrong algorithms in the brain with correct ones.”
Reporter: Berat Yavuz