Internet, Computers, and Mental Health
Application of Computer Technology Internet in Mental Health Care:
A number of studies have shown that self-help treatment programmes on stand-alone computers are as effective as routine clinical care. The Internet enhances the therapeutic possibilities of computers by offering feedback of therapists and more tailor-made treatment. A number of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have shown that Internet-based treatment is more effective than no-treatment and as effective as face-to-face treatment. A number of on-line screening devices have been developed for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and substance abuse disorders, with great potential for clinical practice. On line assessment is generally equivalent to clinical assessment.
Using the Internet to Assist Disaster Mental Health Efforts:
When disaster strikes, first aid teams rush to the site, ready to give aid to the injured. Modern science has recognized the need to address the psychological harm incurred by victims of a disaster. A quick response, by trained psychologists and mental health workers, has been shown to decrease psychological damage, and may mitigate or even prevent the later development of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Linton, 1995). The importance of this work is reflected in a recent action taken by the American Psychological Association (APA). In 1992, the APA formed the Disaster Response Network (DRN), which currently has 2,000 psychologists associated with it.
Internet Addiction is a broad term covering a wide-variety of behaviors and impulse-control problems. Qualitative results gleaned from this study suggest that five specific sub-types of Internet addiction could be categorized: Cybersexual Addiction - compulsive use of adult web sites for cybersex and cyberporn.
Cyber-relationship Addiction – over-involvement in online relationships.Net Compulsions - obsessive online gambling, shopping, or online trading. Information Overload - compulsive web surfing or database searches. Computer Addiction - obsessive computer game playing (e.g., Doom, Myst, or Solitaire).
Internet-based Research Interventions in Mental Health: How Are They Working?
On July 16, 2003, the Division of Services and Intervention Research (DSIR) of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) hosted “Internet-based Research Interventions in Mental Health: How Are They Working?” in Washington, DC. The workshop’s objective was to review current tools and resources available to NIMH investigators to assess and implement Internet intervention efforts and to identify the need for NIMH to refine those resources and tools and/or develop new ones for future research. Participants included NIMH and National Institutes of Health (National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) staff and grantees or consultants who were already engaged in supporting or conducting Internet-based research.
Are You Web Savvy?
The Internet is a great resource for all of us and useful for learning or play. A person can: Have access to a variety of exciting games, and other forms of entertainment. Get to know other parts of the world, its peoples, and customs without leaving home, Get “late breaking news” as it happens,Complete high school, degree, and other courses on the Internet and never enter a classroom
