[Self-help from the cyberspace?--An analysis of self-help forums for patients with bipolar affective disorders].
OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to evaluate if and how online self-help forums are used by patients with bipolar affective disorders.


METHODS
Within a six-months period 1200 postings of 135 users in two German language forums were analysed with respect to fields of interest and self-help mechanisms.


RESULTS
The topics most discussed were social network of the patients, symptoms of the illness, and medication. Disclosure, online-group cohesion as well as empathy and support were the main self-help mechanisms.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study reveals that the social network is very important for patients coping with bipolar affective disorders. We infer that the main interest in participating in online forums for bipolar affective disorders is to share emotions. Attention to those aspects should be given also in psychoeducative programs.
Schielein
Tanja
T
Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie der Universität am Bezirksklinikum Regensburg, Regensburg. tanja.schielein@medbo.de
Schmid
Rita
R
Dobmeier
Matthias
M
Spiessl
Hermann
H
D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014600:Utilization Review / Q000706:statistics & numerical data