Jan 05
- January, 05 2015
- Dr. Sam Ozersky, MD
Spoiler Alert: Not everyone needs to or even prefers to obtain information about mental health management from in-person care provider sources!
A recent large-scale study with over 1,000 participants, authored by members of the Mobilizing Minds Research Group at York University was designed to identify which channels and formats of information were most likely to stimulate young adults to take a proactive role in their mental health care and achieve best outcomes. The results showed indicated that maximal impact could be obtained by a combination of books and workbooks recommended by a mental healthcare professional and an active new media online approach to education, self-assessment, therapy recommended by peers. All groups indicated they preferred information about alternative ways to reduce anxiety or depression rather than psychological approaches or via prescription medications.
The results underscore the importance of revolutionizing mental health care delivery through robust comprehensive programs that augment and integrate the traditional in-person care and paper media model with new media online self-help strategies including online assessment, education, therapy, stress reduction techniques, peer groups, apps and games.
The bottom line: personalized care tailored to fit the individual increases mental health literacy and promotes best outcomes. One size does not fit all.
Full Article Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24266450