First, Do No Harm: Referring Primary Care Patients with Depression to an Internet Support Group

Abstract Background: Internet Support Groups (ISGs) offer people easy access to information regarding depression as well as support from others who are either currently suffering from depression or have previously suffered from depression. The safety and efficacy of ISGs for people with depression have not been thoroughly studied. Introduction: The safety and helpfulness of a depression ISG were assessed by analyzing pre- and postintervention depressive symptoms, other psychological outcomes, and participant ratings of helpfulness. Materials and Methods: Participants were recruited through self-referral from six primary care offices. Participants were given access to a depression ISG and participated in an ISG for 6 weeks. Results: Thirty-four (n = 34) participants enrolled in the study (mean age = 32.53, standard deviation [SD] = 16.10). Depressive symptoms approached significance for decreasing over time and self-efficacy increased over time. No self-harm occurred over the course of the study, but two p...