Shalini Lal1,2,3, Valentin Nguyen4, Joanie Theriault1. 1. School of Rehabilitation, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. 2. Évaluation, systèmes de soins et services, Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. 3. PEPP-Montreal and ACCESS-Canada, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. 4. Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract
AIM: Limited knowledge exists on youth mental health service users' experiences and perspectives of seeking mental health information, services and support online. Such information is important for developing online resources that are tailored to the needs of youth with different types of mental health concerns. The purpose of this study was to better understand the experiences and perspectives of young people receiving treatment for first-episode psychosis (FEP) on using web-based and mobile technologies for accessing mental health information, services and support. METHODS: A qualitative approach using focus group methods was used. Seventeen participants between the ages of 21 and 35 were recruited from a specialized early intervention program for psychosis. A thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The results are organized under three related themes: striving towards a better understanding of the illness and treatment; encountering multiple issues with accessing information online; and valuing online mental health information and support. The majority of participants described online activities related to information and support, rather than specific types of mental health services or interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Youth receiving treatment for FEP value accessing mental health information and support online; however, they encounter several challenges in this regard. The findings can inform the development of online resources and strategies that meet the needs of service users. This study also highlights the importance for mental healthcare professionals to address the topic of online mental health information and support seeking within the context of providing services to young people.
AIM: Limited knowledge exists on youth mental health service users' experiences and perspectives of seeking mental health information, services and support online. Such information is important for developing online resources that are tailored to the needs of youth with different types of mental health concerns. The purpose of this study was to better understand the experiences and perspectives of young people receiving treatment for first-episode psychosis (FEP) on using web-based and mobile technologies for accessing mental health information, services and support. METHODS: A qualitative approach using focus group methods was used. Seventeen participants between the ages of 21 and 35 were recruited from a specialized early intervention program for psychosis. A thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The results are organized under three related themes: striving towards a better understanding of the illness and treatment; encountering multiple issues with accessing information online; and valuing online mental health information and support. The majority of participants described online activities related to information and support, rather than specific types of mental health services or interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Youth receiving treatment for FEP value accessing mental health information and support online; however, they encounter several challenges in this regard. The findings can inform the development of online resources and strategies that meet the needs of service users. This study also highlights the importance for mental healthcare professionals to address the topic of online mental health information and support seeking within the context of providing services to young people.
Authors: John A Naslund; Kelly A Aschbrenner; Gregory J McHugo; Jürgen Unützer; Lisa A Marsch; Stephen J Bartels Journal: Early Interv Psychiatry Date: 2017-10-20 Impact factor: 2.732
Authors: Elizabeth C Thomas; John Suarez; Alicia Lucksted; Laura Siminoff; Irene Hurford; Lisa Dixon; Maria O'Connell; Mark Salzer Journal: Early Interv Psychiatry Date: 2021-02-17 Impact factor: 2.721
Authors: Sarah Bendall; Mario Alvarez-Jimenez; Lee Valentine; Carla McEnery; Shaunagh O'Sullivan; John Gleeson Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2020-06-26 Impact factor: 5.428