The Internet as a Mental Health Advisor in Germany—Results of a National Survey

Abstract

The internet constitutes a popular source of health information. However, the use of the internet and other modern media in the domain of mental health remains widely unclear. This study aimed at exploring the readiness for seeking information online and making use of online counseling and media-assisted psychotherapy. A representative survey of N = 2411 Germans was conducted. Results indicated that more than one fourth of Germans would consider seeking help online in case of psychic strain. Participants reported that they would use the internet when needing to research about mental health topics and to communicate with persons concerned on internet forums. Only a small number of participants had already used psychological online-counseling. The majority of subjects reported not having known about the possibility of online counseling. However, the willingness to make use of this option in the future was in a medium range. Concerning the treatment of mental disorders, participants showed a clear preference toward conventional face-to-face treatment. Less than 10% of participants considered the use of treatment supported by mobile phones, the internet, or virtual realities as likely. Certainly, readiness was significantly higher in persons who were already using the relevant devices—mobile phones, computers, and the internet. In the future, there will presumably be an increasing demand for media-assisted psychological counseling and interventions. Members of the health care system should therefore prepare for current developments and help enlighten patients with regard to the possibilities, and also the potential risks of e-mental health.

Public Attitudes Toward Guided Internet-Based Therapies: Web-Based Survey Study (Preprint)

“…Some recent studies identified a preference for traditional (face-to-face) over internet-based treatment (e.g. [28,29,31,[44][45][46][47]) and for therapist-guided over unguided eMHS (e.g. [28,29,33]).…”

“…Potential determinants of attitudes and preferences for eMHS include sociodemographics such as age, region [45] or professional background [48][49][50]. Regarding health-related and help-seeking variables, using the Internet for mental health information [45,51], previous use of eMHS [31], a history of mental illness and help-seeking experience such as undergoing psychotherapy [29], knowledge about eMHS or awareness of electronic therapies ("e-awareness") [33,41,42], personality traits [28], and perceived stress [42,52] have been reported as predictors.…”

Use of Web-Based Health Services in Individuals With and Without Symptoms of Hypochondria: Survey Study (Preprint)

“…According to a representative study [1] with N = 2,411 63.5% of German internet users rely on the internet as a guide concerning health related issues. Consequently, in addition to traditional media, such as television, radio and print, the Internet has become an important source of information related to health issues.…”

“…Cyberchondria is understood as an Internet-driven health anxiety causing subclinical distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Even though the phenomenon of cyberchondria has already been declared a modern clinical disorder [1], profound research is still largely lacking. So far, there are only few more elaborate studies on Internet use and health fears.…”

Access to Psychotherapy in the Era of Web 2.0 – New Media, Old Inequalities? / Zugang zur Psychotherapie in der Ära des Web 2.0 – Neue Medien, Alte Ungleichheiten?

“…At least, the limited availability of outpatient treatment centres appears to increase the willingness of clients to use Web 2.0 to gather information about their concerns as well as alternative treatment options. Correspondingly, a representative survey of Eichenberg, Wolters and Brähler (2013) demonstrated that among subjects in Germany (N = 2.411) more than a quarter considered using the web for advice for their medical and mental problems. For those seeking help, Web 2.0 not only provides digital health information regarding mental disorders and their treatment, but also immediate free psychosocial online counselling and, under special conditions, even access to online interventions.…”