Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/107253
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Type: Journal article
Title: International multi-site survey on the use of online support groups in bipolar disorder
Author: Bauer, R.
Conell, J.
Glenn, T.
Alda, M.
Ardau, R.
Baune, B.
Berk, M.
Bersudsky, Y.
Bilderbeck, A.
Bocchetta, A.
Bossini, L.
Castro, A.
Cheung, E.
Chillotti, C.
Choppin, S.
Zompo, M.
Dias, R.
Dodd, S.
Duffy, A.
Etain, B.
et al.
Citation: Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 2017; 71(6):473-476
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Issue Date: 2017
ISSN: 0803-9488
1502-4725
Statement of
Responsibility: 
Rita Bauer ... Bernhard T. Baune ... et al.
Abstract: Background: Peer support is an established component of recovery from bipolar disorder, and online support groups may offer opportunities to expand the use of peer support at the patient’s convenience. Prior research in bipolar disorder has reported value from online support groups. Aims: To understand the use of online support groups by patients with bipolar disorder as part of a larger project about information seeking. Methods: The results are based on a one-time, paper-based anonymous survey about information seeking by patients with bipolar disorder, which was translated into 12 languages. The survey was completed between March 2014 and January 2016 and included questions on the use of online support groups. All patients were diagnosed by a psychiatrist. Analysis included descriptive statistics and general estimating equations to account for correlated data. Results and conclusions: The survey was completed by 1222 patients in 17 countries. The patients used the Internet at a percentage similar to the general public. Of the Internet users who looked online for information about bipolar disorder, only 21.0% read or participated in support groups, chats, or forums for bipolar disorder (12.8% of the total sample). Given the benefits reported in prior research, clarification of the role of online support groups in bipolar disorder is needed. With only a minority of patients using online support groups, there are analytical challenges for future studies.
Keywords: Bipolar disorder
online support groups
Internet
self-help
survey
Description: Published online: 11 Jul 2017
Rights: © 2017 The Nordic Psychiatric Association
DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2017.1334819
Grant ID: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1059660
Published version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08039488.2017.1334819
Appears in Collections:Aurora harvest 8
Psychiatry publications

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