Frequency and pattern of Internet use in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorders seeking medical information.

The aim was to explore how patients with bipolar (N=59) or psychotic disorder (N=41) seek medical information on Internet (e-patient). Two-thirds (64%) of inpatients interviewed using a standardized semi-structured questionnaire were e-patients. Compared to non e-patients, they were younger and had a higher educational level. The proportion of e-patients was comparable among persons with schizophrenia (61%) and with bipolar disorder (66%). Very few patients were familiar with quality codes for Internet medical information. Patients should be informed about how to recognize reliable information on the Internet and web sites should cater for their cognitive deficits.