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Potential use of Internet-based screening for anxiety disorders: a pilot study
Michael Van Ameringen1, Catherine Mancini, William Simpson
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. vanamer@mcmaster.ca.
Depression and Anxiety
|August 20, 2010
Summary
Individuals with mental health conditions are using the internet for self-diagnosis and health information seeking. This study highlights the role of online tools in identifying potential anxiety and mood disorders.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Digital Health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The internet is a primary source for health information, enabling self-diagnosis and treatment research.
- Online platforms offer anonymous access to diagnostic and treatment data.
- A self-report screening questionnaire for anxiety and mood disorders (MACSCREEN) was deployed on a clinic website.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utilization of online health information and self-diagnostic tools.
- To assess the prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders among internet users seeking health information.
- To understand the motivations behind seeking health information online.
Main Methods:
- 302 individuals completed the MACSCREEN online questionnaire.
- Participants meeting disorder criteria completed validated self-report symptom severity measures.
- Internet health information seeking behaviors were assessed through a series of questions.
Main Results:
- Social phobia (51.0%), major depressive disorder (32.4%), and generalized anxiety disorder (25.5%) were most common.
- 65% of participants met criteria for at least one disorder.
- Most users sought information due to concerns about anxiety and planned further assessment.
Conclusions:
- Clinically significant mental health disorders are associated with internet-based self-diagnosis.
- Online screening tools can identify individuals seeking information about potential mental health conditions.
- The internet serves as a significant resource for individuals exploring their mental health concerns.
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