Forums at Psych Central

Description:

Psych Central includes a number of different forums grouped into various topic areas, including: mental health support, treatments and self-care strategies, health & other support, distractions and social group forums. You can view all postings in the forums but need to register in order to add any messages. Additionally, regular live chat sessions are also hosted - as well as question and answer sessions with the owner of Psych Central. After registering you can also access a members list, a calendar of events, join ‘social groups' and use the blog.

 

 

Service URL:

http://forums.psychcentral.com/

Agency Responsible:

Psych Central: Other. Privately owned by a health professional

Details

Format:

Combination. Bulletin board and also chat rooms and regular question and answer sessions with the forum owner

Size Of Membership:

27874 (on 28 June 2012)

Start Date:

1995

Moderation Status:

Moderated.

Moderation Type:

Consumer/Carer. Board of moderators includes both community members and health professionals

Associated Website Intervention:

Part of a wider mental health and psychology network: http://psychcentral.com/

Accreditation Status:

Accredited. Health on the Net (HonCode)

Funding Source:

Private. PsychCentral is an independent publisher of mental health information. It accepts advertising from pharmaceutical companies (among others) but not direct funding from pharmaceutical companies

Target Audience

Primary Categories:

Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Generalised anxiety disorder. There are bulletin boards covering a range of additional mental health issues: substance abuse, alcohol abuse, ADHD, Eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, psychosis, schizophrenia

Primary Target Audiences:

Adolescent and Adult. A specific teen chat room is available

Secondary Target Audiences:

Consumer and Carer.

Language:

English.

Access

Registration Requirement:

Open to view, but registration to participate.

Fee:

Free.

Contact Details:

talkback@psychcentral.com

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Outcome Summary:

Psych Central was one among twenty-four different public online support groups used in a study examining the content of message boards/chat rooms. Key findings from the study indicated medical topics were commonly discussed and these online services provide an important source of information and support.

Research Paper Citations

Macias, W., Stavchansky Lewis, L., Smith, T.L (2005) Health-related message boards/chat rooms on the web: discussion content and implications for pharmaceutical sponsorships, 10 (3): 209-223