Description:
This paper reviews two relatively young fields of research - positive psychology and internet interventions – and discusses the combined potential of online positive psychology interventions (OPPIs) as an effective and sustainable health promotion tool. Five randomised controlled trials were identified testing the efficacy of OPPIs as a means of enhancing well-being, with three studies demonstrating increased well-being compared to a control group. Three studies also demonstrated depression symptom reduction, suggesting that well-being interventions may also have an illness treatment and prevention function. While this review is limited by the small number of studies currently available, researchers and practitioners are asked to consider the mental health promotion opportunities and benefits of delivering well-being interventions online.
Description:
This paper reviews two relatively young fields of research - positive psychology and internet interventions – and discusses the combined potential of online positive psychology interventions (OPPIs) as an effective and sustainable health promotion tool. Five randomised controlled trials were identified testing the efficacy of OPPIs as a means of enhancing well-being, with three studies demonstrating increased well-being compared to a control group. Three studies also demonstrated depression symptom reduction, suggesting that well-being interventions may also have an illness treatment and prevention function. While this review is limited by the small number of studies currently available, researchers and practitioners are asked to consider the mental health promotion opportunities and benefits of delivering well-being interventions online.
Description:
There is mounting evidence in clinical trials that therapist-assisted Internet cognitive behavior therapy (TAICBT) is efficacious in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Nevertheless, many clinical service providers (both individuals and organizations) question whether offering this form of treatment in clinical practice is feasible. As such, having information on the factors involved in the development of this service is essential. In this article, we describe the steps taken to develop a TAICBT service that registered professionals and students (under supervision) can use with clients suffering from symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety, and panic disorder. We share salient decisions made in developing this web application and the necessary unit policies and procedures. We also offer lessons learned and practical recommendations to providers who may want to translate this promising TAICBT research into practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Description:
This study explored whether differences exist between those who prefer using internet-based mental health services (e-preferers) in comparison to those who prefer traditional face-to-face mental health services (non e-preferers). Gender, age, level of education, relationship status, location of residence, country of birth, previous use of mental health services, specific e-mental health service concerns, perceptions of helpfulness and future use of mental health services were investigated. Two-hundred and eighteen Australians (female=165, male=53) with ages ranging from 18 to 80 (M=36.6, SD=14.5) accessed the online survey. Results indicated that although 77.1% of respondents preferred face-to-face services only 9.6% indicated they would not use e-mental health services. No differences were found between e-preferers and non e-preferers on any demographic variable and on previous mental health service usage, however, several differences regarding perceptions of helpfulness and future use of services and concerns about e-mental health services were observed. In addition, several individual difference variables (stigma, locus of control, learning styles and personality traits) were explored and found to differ between the two groups (stigma, locus of control and personality traits). These results may help inform the future direction of mental health services, including the need to increase public awareness regarding e-mental health services.
Description:
This study explored whether differences exist between those who prefer using internet-based mental health services (e-preferers) in comparison to those who prefer traditional face-to-face mental health services (non e-preferers). Gender, age, level of education, relationship status, location of residence, country of birth, previous use of mental health services, specific e-mental health service concerns, perceptions of helpfulness and future use of mental health services were investigated. Two-hundred and eighteen Australians (female=165, male=53) with ages ranging from 18 to 80 (M=36.6, SD=14.5) accessed the online survey. Results indicated that although 77.1% of respondents preferred face-to-face services only 9.6% indicated they would not use e-mental health services. No differences were found between e-preferers and non e-preferers on any demographic variable and on previous mental health service usage, however, several differences regarding perceptions of helpfulness and future use of services and concerns about e-mental health services were observed. In addition, several individual difference variables (stigma, locus of control, learning styles and personality traits) were explored and found to differ between the two groups (stigma, locus of control and personality traits). These results may help inform the future direction of mental health services, including the need to increase public awareness regarding e-mental health services.
Description:
BACKGROUND: The Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care (BOMHC) initiative encourages general practitioners to use electronic mental health resources (EMHRs) during consultation with patients requiring psychological assistance. However, there is little data on GPs' acceptance and use of EMHRs. METHOD: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 27 GPs to determine their attitude toward EMHRs, and their use during consultation with patients. RESULTS: Few GPs reported frequently using EMHRs in consultation. Identified barriers to use included lack of familiarity with information technology, and insufficient knowledge of available resources. Identified advantages of electronic resources included high patient acceptance, time efficiency, and improved quality of information. DISCUSSION: General practitioners recognise several advantages of utilising electronic resources for managing patients with mental illness. However, GPs are not sufficiently familiar with electronic resources to use them effectively. This could be overcome by education.
Description:
Anxiety Online is a "virtual" online clinical assessment and treatment service, funded by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing and provided by Swinburne University's National e-therapy Centre (NeTC). This chapter describes an online clinician training program for online low intensity practitioners ('etherapists') to work in the Anxiety Online virtual clinic (http://www.anxietyonline.org.au). and the challenges and solutions involved ." From the introduction".
Description:
BACKGROUND: Panic disorder (PD) is common in the community and contributes to significant distress and decreased quality of life for people who suffer from it. Most people with PD will present in the first instance to their general practitioner or hospital emergency department for assistance, often with a focus on somatic symptoms and concerns. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to assist the GP to manage this group of patients by providing an outline of aetiology, approaches to assessment, and common management strategies. DISCUSSION Although GPs have an important role to play in ruling out any causal organic basis for panic symptoms, the diagnosis of PD can usually be made as a positive diagnosis on the basis of careful history taking. Thorough and empathic education is a vital step in management. The prognosis for PD can be improved by lifestyle changes, specific psychological techniques, and the judicious use of pharmacotherapy.
Description:
Therapeutic online games are potentially a valuable way of improving the mental health of young people. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the qualitative component of a formal evaluation conducted on Reach Out Central (ROC), an online game for 16-25 year olds which aims to improve mental health. Participants completing a post-program survey from the evaluation (n=154) were required to respond to two open-ended questions; what they liked most, and least, about ROC. Responses indicate that online games can be a successful way of educating, as well as attracting and engaging, young people. Suggestions are made regarding issues future developers should take into consideration when developing programs of a similar nature..
Description:
Therapeutic online games are potentially a valuable way of improving the mental health of young people. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the qualitative component of a formal evaluation conducted on Reach Out Central (ROC), an online game for 16-25 year olds which aims to improve mental health. Participants completing a post-program survey from the evaluation (n=154) were required to respond to two open-ended questions; what they liked most, and least, about ROC. Responses indicate that online games can be a successful way of educating, as well as attracting and engaging, young people. Suggestions are made regarding issues future developers should take into consideration when developing programs of a similar nature..
Description:
Background: This regional pilot site ‘end-user attitudes’ study explored nurses’ experiences and impressions of using the Nurses’ Behavioural Assistant (NBA) (a knowledge-based, interactive ehealth system) to assist them to better respond to behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and will be reported here. Methods: Focus groups were conducted, followed by a four-week pilot site ‘end-user attitudes’ trial of the NBA at a regional aged care residential facility (ACRF). Brief interviews were conducted with consenting nursing staff. Results: Focus group feedback (N = 10) required only minor cosmetic changes to the NBA prototype. Post pilot site end-user interview data (N = 10) indicated that the regional ACRF nurses were positive and enthusiastic about the NBA, however several issues were also identified. Conclusions: Overall the results supported the utility of the NBA to promote a person centred care approach to managing BPSD. Slight modifications may be required to maximise its uptake across all ACRF nursing staff.
Description:
Self-guided internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (iCBT) has considerable public health potential for treating anxiety and depression. However, no research has examined the use of self-guided iCBT, that is, treatment without contact with a clinician, specifically for older adults. The aim of the present study was to undertake a preliminary examination of the acceptability, efficacy and health economic impact of two entirely self-guided iCBT programs for adults over 60. years of age with anxiety and depression. Two separate single-group feasibility open trials of self-guided iCBT were conducted, the Anxiety Trial (n. =. 27) and the Depression Trial (n. =. 20), using the control groups of two randomized controlled trials. The online treatment packages consisted of five online educational lessons, which were delivered over 8. weeks without clinical contact. Participants rated the interventions as acceptable with more than 90% reporting the course was worth their time and more than 70% of participants completing at least 3 of the 5 lessons within the eight weeks. Significant reductions on measures of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item; GAD-7) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item; PHQ-9) were observed from pre-treatment to post-treatment in both the Anxiety Trial (GAD-7 Cohen's d=. 1.17; 95% CI: 0.55 to 1.75) and the Depression Trial (PHQ-9 Cohen's d=. 1.06; 95% CI: 0.33 to 1.73). The economic analyses indicated that there was statistically significant improvement in health-related quality of life compared to baseline and marginally higher costs associated with treatment for both the Anxiety Trial ($69.84; 95% CI: $4.24 to $135.45) and the Depression Trial ($54.98; 95% CI: $3.84 to $106.12). The results provide preliminary support for the potential of entirely self-guided iCBT for older adults with anxiety and depression and indicate larger scale and controlled research trials are warranted.
Description:
Increasingly, the internet is being used as a source of mental health information as well as structured treatment programs for people with mental health concerns or problems. The present review focuses mainly on research conducted at the University of Ballarat in Australia, and Uppsala University in Sweden, on internet-based treatment for panic disorder, one of the more common and disabling anxiety disorders. Our studies suggest that internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy is an effective intervention for panic disorder, and that it is more effective than some other self-help therapies. We have found that this mode of intervention is associated with clinically significant change, improved psychological well-being and functioning, and low participant attrition, provided that timely, limited therapist assistance is also provided. This review also discusses treatment credibility and participant satisfaction, as well as assessment and crisis management issues. Although promising as a form of intervention, there is a need for more research on the efficacy of internet-based treatment for PD and on comparisons with evidence-based face-to-face therapies.