UCC study says mental health podcasts can be helpful — but can be misleading

'Podcasts are valued by the public as an effective medium to decrease stigma, increase hope and connection.' Picture: iStock

Podcasts about mental health can inspire people to seek help but there are also risks of misleading scientific advice being shared, a study from University College Cork has found.

The study of 772 podcast listeners found they can be particularly helpful for people in rural areas where there are no services, but there is a risk of pseudo-scientific advice reaching vulnerable people.