A survey of participants in two internet support groups for people with hair-pulling

Abstract

Background: A substantial number of patients suffering from psychological problems or psychiatric disorders have turned to internet support groups for help. This paper reports on the perceived effectiveness of trichotillomania (TTM) internet support groups for people suffering from hair-pulling.

Factors that influence public engagement with eHealth: A literature review

“…As well as having access to practical information from others, group members also reported a degree of empowerment in relation to their condition. These findings are supported by Bruwer and Stein [39] and Dickerson [31]. A further study by…”

“…In Dickerson's study of an online community [31], as with Bruwer et al [39], respondents online community for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [50]. It was noted by Glenton et al [33] in their study on the use of research-based information that participants were sceptical and mistrustful of researchers and research evidence, believing them to be biased for or against particular types of medicine and different from 'real life'.…”

“…In 2005 Bruwer and Stein emailed a questionnaire survey to subscribers of two Internet support groups for people suffering from hair-pulling (trichotillomania) (n=1010) to investigate the support groups' perceived effectiveness [39]. The study was conducted in South Africa and the findings were based on an analysis of 81 questionnaires.…”

“…Bruwer et al [39] indicated that personal interactions and alternative view points of other members or the owners of mailing lists were potential barriers to ongoing participation. Also, one participant in Bonniface and…”

Bibliotherapy and information prescriptions: a summary of the published evidence‐base and recommendations from past and ongoing Books on Prescription projects

“…(2006) RCTInternet‐based CBT supplemented with telephone callsPanic disordersThis study supports the use of Internet‐based CBT with telephone support particularly clients in rural locations Febbraro (2005) RCTsBibliotherapy, alone (BT), Bibliotherapy with phone contact (BT + PC) and phone contact alone (PC)Panic attacksBT and BT + PC groups were more likely to displayed significant decreases from pre and post treatment in panic symptoms In some measures individuals did clinically better in the BT + PC group than PC alone Evans et al . (1999) RCTsManual assisted cognitive behaviourSelf‐harmThis treatment is promising in its efficacy and feasible in a clinical practice Bruwer & Stein (2005) A surveyInternet support groupsHair pullingSubscribers found the groups helpful in terms of support and information Mimeault & Morin (1999)BibliotherapyInsomniaEffective treatmentStudy Carrard et al . (2006) A studyOn‐line help programBulimia nervosaSuggests that an on‐line help program guide could be used as a support tool Hooper et al .…”