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Cross-sectional survey of users of internet depression communities
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Powell, John, McCarthy, Noel D. and Eysenbach, Gunther (2003) Cross-sectional survey of users of internet depression communities. BMC Psychiatry, Vol.3 (No.19). doi:10.1186/1471-244X-3-19 ISSN 1471-244x.
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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-3-19
Abstract
Background: Internet-based depression communities provide a forum for individuals to
communicate and share information and ideas. There has been little research into the health status
and other characteristics of users of these communities.
Methods: Online cross-sectional survey of Internet depression communities to identify depressive
morbidity among users of Internet depression communities in six European countries; to
investigate whether users were in contact with health services and receiving treatment; and to
identify user perceived effects of the communities.
Results: Major depression was highly prevalent among respondents (varying by country from 40%
to 64%). Forty-nine percent of users meeting criteria for major depression were not receiving
treatment, and 35% had no consultation with health services in the previous year. Thirty-six
percent of repeat community users who had consulted a health professional in the previous year
felt that the Internet community had been an important factor in deciding to seek professional help.
Conclusions: There are high levels of untreated and undiagnosed depression in users of Internet
depression communities. This group represents a target for intervention. Internet communities can
provide information and support for stigmatizing conditions that inhibit more traditional modes of
information seeking.
Item Type: | Journal Article | ||||
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Divisions: | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School | ||||
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Depression, Mental -- Social aspects, Community health and health planning | ||||
Journal or Publication Title: | BMC Psychiatry | ||||
Publisher: | Biomed Central | ||||
ISSN: | 1471-244x | ||||
Official Date: | 10 December 2003 | ||||
Dates: |
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Volume: | Vol.3 | ||||
Number: | No.19 | ||||
DOI: | 10.1186/1471-244X-3-19 | ||||
Status: | Peer Reviewed | ||||
Access rights to Published version: | Open Access (Creative Commons) |
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