On the Net
Online information and support for depressed patients
CMAJ 2000;163(5):588
See also: eLetters
Depression can be a private disorder that goes unrecognized and untreated. Fortunately, the Internet has literally hundred of online resources for these patients, including a couple that help people assess the extent of their problem.
The Internet Mental Health site (www.mentalhealth.com) is a recognized online leader in this area. Created by Vancouver psychiatrist Phillip Long, the site has received numerous awards from professional and Web-based organizations.
The site describes itself as an encyclopedia of mental health information and includes information and descriptions of various disorders, notes about various mental health drugs and an online magazine of current news and research.
One of the more interesting sections includes an online diagnosis tool; various questionnaires cover many disorder areas, including depression. It can either be taken by the patient or administered by a clinician. In each case it delivers a basic diagnosis and treatment plan.
The site stresses that this is only a tool: "This program is offered by Internet Mental Health as an aid to diagnosis and is not a substitute for expert clinical judgement by a licensed mental health professional."
The US-based National Mental Health Association has a similar tool (www.depression-screening.org) that offers plenty of information about various depressive disorders and includes a self-directed screening tool. Shela Halper, vice-president of public education at the NMHA, stresses that this online service is not meant to be the only tool used to identify the problem.
"It is important that people understand this Web site can not and should not substitute for a visit to their doctor or a qualified mental health professional," states Halper. "It is designed only to be a first step. While screening tests can help uncover the symptoms, they can not provide a diagnosis for depression."
Finally, for patients wanting interaction with others, there are online discussion groups in the ALT.SUPPORT.DEPRESSION and SOC.SUPPORT.DEPRESSION areas of Usenet. — Michael OReilly, mike@oreilly.net
© 2000 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors
