Pattern and Experience of Internet Use among Persons with Severe Mental Disorders: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Abstract Aims: To understand the current patterns and experience of using internet among individuals with severe mental disorders and assess the impact of internet technology in their daily life, particularly mental health-related issues. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted on individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD)/ schizophrenia (DSM-5) (N=20), aged ≥ 18 years who could read and write in Hindi/ English, using an interview guide. HAM-D, YMRS, SAPS, and SANS were used as screening instruments. The interview guide contained questions related to internet use in daily life, internet use for health-related issues, particularly BD/ schizophrenia. Results: All individuals used the internet in day-to-day life for the purpose of communication, entertainment and getting information. They predominantly use internet to find out about their illness & medications. For their illness, most common source of searching was Google (N=20), followed by YouTube (N=17). Three themes could be identified about patterns and experience of internet use: health/ illness-related reasons for searching internet, beliefs about the suggestions on internet, risky practices regarding suggestions from internet. The impact of internet use was variable. They often believed that they were misinformed or unsure of the information available online. Most of them did not discuss about their internet use for their disease with their treating doctor. But they tend to follow advice that they perceive might be harmless. Conclusion: Patients with SMD commonly use internet for retrieving information about their illness. They tend to follow perceivably harmless advice available online.