Depressed? Net-based Treatments Can Help

Jung and the Restless writes "Researchers at an Australian university have found that regular visits to therapeutic and educational web sites can successfully treat depression. Researchers directed patients to The MoodGYM, a cognitive behavior therapy site, and BluePages, a depression education site. After 12 months, users of both web sites reported improvement, with the educational site working out better than the behavior therapy site. A psychotherapist who did not participate in the study says that the results aren't all that surprising. 'Cognitive behavioral strategies — sometimes in conjunction with medication — are the most effective means of treating depression,' and 'a person who is visiting an educational site like BluePages is taking the necessary steps with her own self-care. That's a key component of successful treatment for depression'"

Comments

Interweb

[Wellington Grey]

But what if it's spending so much time on the internet that makes me depressed?

-Grey

Slashdot as your shrink

[Analein]

Now that would surely make the world a better place.

psychotherapist

[56ker]

I think a psychotherapist would have a field day with slashdot users. Either that or they'd end up needing therapy themselves. ;)

There's always a catch

[Joebert]

Cutting back on masturbating cured me of depression, though, now I have anger management issues.

Computerized therapy

[Anonymous Coward]

Eliza http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ELIZA anyone?

Why even bother?

[Lactoso]

I was going to RTFA, but, you know, what's the use? It's not going to change anything. Sigh....

Personally....

[Anubis350]

...I'm depressed now 'cause the first site uses flash.

Re:Psychologists need to learn more than this

[kayditty]

I really don't think CBT is the best solution for depression.

Re:"an Australian university"?

[Nuffsaid]

I heard an Englishman say he was worried that they had an Australian pilot flying the aeroplane

He probably was worried about the pilot flying upside-down.