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  • Title: [Evaluation of an online discussion forum for depressive patients and their relatives--an examination focussing motives and effects of participation].
    Author: Blume A, Mergl R, Niedermeier N, Kunz J, Pfeiffer-Gerschel T, Karch S, Havers I, Hegerl U.
    Journal: Neuropsychiatr; 2009; 23(1):42-51. PubMed ID: 19272291.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: The profile of psychiatric patients, who write within the online discussion forum of the German Research Network on Depression and Suicidality, is described. The question of which diagnoses are predominant among the forum members and the question of their treatment status shall be answered. Furthermore, the effects of participation in the forum on individual handling of the illness are examined. METHODS: 55 active users were interviewed by telephone using a computer-assisted version of a fully structured psychiatric interview (DIA-X) and online with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Moreover, their treatment status and their motivation to use the online forum were asked for. RESULTS: 52 study participants (94.5%) received the diagnosis depression. Currently, 36.5% of the respondents suffer from a depressive episode. Frequent comorbid disorders are phobic disorders and somatoform disorders. 90.2% received outpatient treatment before, 64.7% inpatient treatment. In the year before this study started, 78.2% of participants were treated by a psychiatrist / neurologist and 63.6% by a psychological psychotherapist. By participating in the online discussion forum, the respondents expect to receive information about the disorder, support in coping with depressive symptoms as well as an exchange with other affected persons and their relatives. The respondents stated that their trust in medical treatment was raised (63.3%) and that they were encouraged to seek professional help (61.2%). Furthermore, 32.7% of the interviewed participants rated their attitudes towards the treatment with medication more positive than before being a member in the discussion forum. CONCLUSIONS: The forum reaches its targets and the users do not see it as an alternative, but rather as a supplement to professional and psychological care. By participating in the forum, aspects of self-help, especially a strengthened sense of community and acceptance of and coping with the own illness-related situation can be accomplished.
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