Netdoctor forums for depression

Description:

Netdoctor offers both a ‘depression' and ‘anxiety' online bulletin board. These boards allow you to read questions and comments posted by others - and post your own questions or comments.

Posts are listed under topic headings - and you can view postings without registering. However, you need to register in order to post a message (either a new topic or a reply in an existing topic). When you post a message your username, number of posts and your join date are all displayed. Registration gives you access to both the depression and anxiety boards - as well as a collection other health related bulletin boards. These online communities represent one element of a general portal of health information provided by Netdoctor.

 

Service URL:

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/interactive/discussion/General-depression-f1.html

Agency Responsible:

Netdoctor: Other. Commercial organisation, content of main site commissioned from UK health professionals

Details

Format:

Bulletin Board.

Size Of Membership:

unknown

Start Date:

2000

Moderation Status:

Moderated.

Moderation Type:

Other. Moderated by a moderator (not health professional)

Associated Website Intervention:

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ General health information website

Accreditation Status:

Accredited. Health on the Net accredited

Funding Source:

Commercial. Advertising and sponsorship

Target Audience

Primary Categories:

Depression, Panic disorder and Generalised anxiety disorder.

Primary Target Audience:

Adult.

Secondary Target Audiences:

Consumer and Carer.

Language:

English.

Access

Registration Requirement:

Open to view, but registration to participate.

Fee:

Free.

Contact Details:

webmaster@netdoctor .co.uk

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Outcome Summary:

An online cross-sectional survey of users of six ‘Netdokter' European Internet depression communities (including the UK's ‘netdoctor') was conducted. Analysis of users' perceptions of the benefits of the depression communities painted a positive picture. 51% agreed that they were able to discuss subjects that they felt unable to discuss elsewhere, 71% reported learning more about medication, 44% reported feeling less isolated and among those seeking professional help 37% reported using information from the community in their consultations with a professional. However, although such findings suggest these internet support groups may have some positive effects - this study does not provide any objective measure of its effectiveness.

Research Paper Citations

Powell, J., McCarthy, N. and Eysenback, G. (2003) Cross sectional survey of users of Internet depression communities. BMC Psychiatry, 3: 19.