Web-Based Information for Depression: Helpful or Hazardous?

Abstract

The Internet cannot be underestimated as a source of information, including information for persons with depression and their families. The Internet is a resource for both persons who have not yet sought professional treatment and persons in treatment who augment professional therapy with their own research. Health care providers, including nurses, should explore this information medium because it may affect treatment of depression. To evaluate Web-based information, 25 graduate nursing students, enrolled in an informatics course, explored the Internet for information about depression. They found a wide array of Web sites focused on depression. Five levels of classification of Web sites related to depression evolved, ranging from helpful to hazardous.