Internet use among persons with common mental disorders: A qualitative study.

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Digital Health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Internet use is prevalent across demographics.
• Understanding digital engagement among those with mental health conditions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine internet usage patterns and experiences among individuals with depressive and anxiety disorders.
• To specifically assess health-related internet use in this population.

Main Methods:

• In-depth interviews with 20 participants diagnosed with depressive and anxiety disorders (DSM-5).
• Interviews explored daily internet use, health-related searches, and use for stress and mental health concerns.
• Data analysis involved transcription, coding, and thematic identification.

Main Results:

• Approximately half of participants required assistance with internet use.
• YouTube was the most frequented search engine; leisure was the primary daily use reason.
• Most participants searched for health information, including psychiatric diagnoses, alternative therapies, symptom understanding, recovery, and medication side effects.
• Perceived impact was mainly on distraction and stress reduction, not direct illness or treatment effects.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with depressive and anxiety disorders utilize the internet for distraction and communication.
• They actively seek information regarding their illness and prescribed medications.
• Internet use serves purposes beyond direct therapeutic intervention, focusing on coping mechanisms and information gathering.