More evidence-based internet self-help depression websites now available

Abstract

The aim of this research study is to evaluate the availability and classification of the types of currently available Internet self-help websites for depression. Its aim is to develop an understanding of what is available for people at risk of depression who would otherwise perhaps not seek help and to investigate whether such useful resources are on the increase. In Australia, depression is the top-ranked cause of nonfatal disability. Over 27% of young adults have a current mental disorder, with depression being the most prevalent (10.8%). This paper investigates the availability and type of self-help websites that are available for people suffering from mild to moderate depression, as a step towards providing avenues for care for this population of sufferers. The most important finding of this study was that not only were there an increased number of websites available as self-help resources, but that over the three year period, there has been a statistically significant increase in the proportion of websites that are evidence-based. This is an important factor for sufferers of mild to moderate depression who are looking for access to online self-help resources. © 2007 Universidad de Talca - Chile.