Abstract:
This paper aims to explore the role of internet self-help as a mechanism
that leads to pathways to ("£lrefor individuals with depression and related
problems who would otherwise not seek help at all, or feel better at least
initially, exploring the avenue of self-help prior to primary treatment.
Its aim is to develop an understanding of what is known to date in terms
of the effectiveness of self-help for depression. Internet users look for
more information on depression than they do for cancer or heart disease.
Limitations of the current research are explored and a proposal put
forward towards answering the research question of whether Internet
Self-Help works for depression and related disorders. Taking the
collective limitations and levels of evidence into account, these studies
indicate promising potential for Internet Self-Help sites for mild to
moderate depression. As depression is of high prevalence, coupled with
the fact people do not seek help, specialist self-help internet interventions
provide a possible solution to this growing global problem. Proposed
enhancements to build on current research are suggested.
