Intern Summer Special: Mental Health in the Age of AI

As part of their summer internship at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, 17-year-olds Anisa and Barira took on the challenge of producing their very own podcast episode. Curious about the role of artificial intelligence in mental health, they sat down with Dr Prateek Varshney, a child psychiatrist and medical educator, to explore the promises and pitfalls of AI in psychiatry. From self-diagnosis online to the risks of people forming emotional attachments to chatbots, this conversation asks whether technology can support psychiatry, or if it risks undermining the very human connections at its core. Disclaimer: This interview was part of a learning journey for the interns. The questions, ideas, and conversations you’ll hear reflect their curiosity and Dr Varshney’s insights. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are personal and do not necessarily represent those of the College.