title: Depersonalization in cyberspace.
abstract: We explored the possibility of carrying out clinical research on the Internet. To do so, we compared psychometric and demographic variables between two groups of sufferers of depersonalization disorder, one recruited via the Internet, the other from outpatients attending the Depersonalization Research Unit. No differences were found in demographics or features of depersonalization. Those seen in the clinic were, however, significantly more depressed. We then explored the answers to several questions posted on a depersonalization bulletin board by a second group of Internet users. Useful information on symptoms, precipitants, and treatment was gained. It is concluded that the Internet could become a valuable tool in clinical psychiatric research.
authors.affiliation: Depersonalisation Research Unit, Institute of Psychiatry and GKT School of Medicine, De Crespigny Park, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Lambert
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Senior
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: David
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003861:Depersonalization / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012107:Research Design; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires