title: [Modern discussion forum "depression, suicidality"].
abstract: Five years ago, with the appearance on the internet of the competence network "Depression, Suicidality", a conducted discussion forum was established to serve as a platform for an internet-based self-help group. Today, the forum has more than 3,000 registered visitors, and is the largest virtual group concerned with depression in the German-speaking area. In comparison with a "real" self-help group, this virtual form offers specific possibilities to those concerned, such as, for example, 24-hour access to other sufferers. Admittedly, specific limitations must nevertheless be noted, which, among other things, have to do with the particular features of internet-based communication and the heterogeneity of the participants. Overall, this virtual self-help group represents a rational and useful addition to the existing possibilities for self help.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie der LMU München. tim.pfeschel@med.uni-meuncten.de
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pfeiffer-Gerschel
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Niedermeier
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Hegerl
mesh_terms: D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005858:Germany; D006266:Health Education / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000592:standards; D012944:Social Support; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention