On TikTok: Mental health issues are often misrepresentedDangerous misinformation

• von Dr. Milena Hänisch
• 07.04.2026

A new study shows that mental health is often portrayed inaccurately, either partially or entirely, on TikTok. From "Symptoms of an anxiety disorder: overeating" to "Narcissists don't love anyone" - such claims are widespread in German-language TikTok videos. Yet only just under one in five videos contains accurate information. Researchers from the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at LVR University Hospital Essen and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Duisburg-Essen analysed 177 videos with around 94 million views and recently published their findings in 'Clinical Psychology in Europe'.

More than half of the content is false or exaggerated

Of the videos analysed, only 19.2% were classified as accurate. 33.3% were false, 18.1% were overgeneralised (i.e. formulated too broadly, without a scientific basis), and 29.4% dealt solely with personal experiences and did not provide any scientific or medical background information.

Experts are the most reliable sources

The study shows that videos by professionals such as doctors, psychologists or psychotherapists are significantly more reliable. They receive better ratings in terms of accuracy, clarity and scientific quality. In contrast, content from laypeople or so-called 'coaches' is often inadequately researched and inaccurate or even misleading.

Young people are particularly at risk

If people turn to TikTok to find out about their own symptoms and encounter misinformation, this could lead to incorrect self-diagnoses or a delay in seeking treatment. This could be particularly relevant for the many young users on TikTok.

What can those affected and professionals do?

Aaron Mroß, who developed and conducted the study together with Dr Benedikt Langenbach from the Psychopathological Research Group led by Prof. Dr Katja Kölkebeck, would like to see health institutions and practitioners engage more actively with social media than they have done so far: "If professionals create clear, understandable and engaging content on social media, they could counteract the misinformation." "Whilst social media can be a valuable forum for exchange, it is no substitute for medical or psychotherapeutic advice and diagnosis," adds Dr Langenbach, the study's last author. "This makes it all the more important for medical experts and professional associations to provide high-quality information there, so that patients can find a suitable treatment as quickly as possible."

Publication: https://cpe.psychopen.eu/index.php/cpe/article/view/17279