AI Replacement Dysfunction Framework Addresses Mental Health and Job Insecurity

Researchers at the University of Florida have outlined a new clinical framework to address psychological distress associated with concerns over artificial intelligence replacing jobs. The framework, named AI Replacement Dysfunction (AIRD), was published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science.

The AIRD framework aims to help healthcare professionals identify and manage symptoms linked to anxiety about AI-driven job loss. It details a range of symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, denial of AI’s relevance, loss of identity, feelings of worthlessness, resentment, and hopelessness.

Stephanie McNamara, a psychology student at the University of Florida, began developing the concept of AIRD after noting an increase in AI-related layoffs in March 2025. The framework proposes specific screening and treatment methods for healthcare providers to use when addressing these symptoms.

Although AIRD has been described in academic literature, it is not currently listed as a diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The framework’s publication marks an early step toward formal recognition and broader clinical use.

What the numbers show

• The AIRD framework was published in February 2026
• AI-related layoffs observed in March 2025 contributed to the framework’s development
• AIRD is not included in the current DSM manual

Academic studies outside the University of Florida have also examined the effects of AI on workplace mental health. Research published in the Elsevier Journal of Innovation & Knowledge indicates that job insecurity related to AI can reduce psychological safety and work passion, with emotional exhaustion and self-efficacy acting as mediating factors.

Further research in healthcare settings has identified that AI-related technostress, such as increased complexity, overload, and threats to self-esteem, is linked to greater job insecurity among physicians. These findings suggest that the impact of AI on mental health extends beyond a single profession or sector.

Joseph Thornton, M.D., a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Florida, stated that AI displacement represents an “invisible disaster” that requires responses beyond traditional clinical care. This view supports the need for frameworks like AIRD to address the broader effects of technological change on mental health.

While the AIRD framework is not yet formally recognized in standard diagnostic manuals, its introduction highlights ongoing efforts to understand and address the psychological impact of AI-driven changes in the workplace. The framework’s publication provides healthcare professionals with initial tools to identify and support individuals experiencing distress related to AI and job insecurity.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.