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Thursday, May 5, 2011

Finding Reliable Mental Health Information

A colleague did some research on mental health topics over the internet. The results (the listing of web pages returned in response to a keyword query) posted were as follows:

Topic                         Results
Depression               65,600,000
Anxiety                    62,700,000
ADHD                     2,270,000
Bipolar Disorder      7,330,000
Gambling                 105,000,000
Alcohol Abuse         41,900,000

These numbers change almost daily as new information is posted. How can a person find reliable mental health information when there is so much available to review?

Steps To Follow
From The Mayo Clinic Women's Health Source, April 2008
        
              Begin with an authoritative website created by professionals with the purpose of educating people.  It will describe health conditions, healthy living suggestions, and prevention information. It will also describe all treatment options without promoting a particular one.

Remember, only your healthcare provider should recommend the best treatment for you.

              Sites should also provide information about research as well as what experts are saying. They should come from trusted sources, and some places to start may include:
-Government Sources
-Major teaching hospitals
-National Institutes of Health
-Your healthcare provider
               One purpose of looking up information on the Internet is to help you make good decisions for your mental health. Finding a good information source is a solid base on which you can rely for important information. Franciscan Physicians Hospital provides such a basis through their Total Health Library.
                Use this information to stay informed by utilizing their assessments, videos, and online tools. Start making good decisions for your mental health today, and remember: the best way to do this is to discuss what you have learned with your healtcare provider.

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