Expansion of e-mental health necessary for better care

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDJun 6 2010

Dr Ananya Mandal, MD

Assistance for mental ailments especially in the youth via internet could be a very cost effective measure say researchers. The researchers have identified the gaps between the demand and supply of mental healthcare services in Australia. The geographical, attitudinal and financial constraints often make access to such services difficult say Professors Helen Christensen and Ian Hickie and “e-mental health” could be the answer. Prof Christensen is director of the Australian National University's Centre for Mental Health Research, while Prof Hickie is executive director of the Brain and Mind Research Institute at the University of Sydney.

In their study report published in the Medical Journal of Australia they say that more and more internet savvy youngsters are seeking formal and informal help for mental ailments. Early intervention in this section could reduce long term ill consequences of the disease.

They write, “Despite the strong arguments in favor of early intervention in youth mental health, it is this group who are most neglected by the current arrangements…By contrast, young people with difficulties are increasingly seeking informal and formal help online.” They feel that many “in need” often do not get access to quality mental health care. “Anxiety, depression and substance misuse” according to them form major mental health problems in the country. They point out that “mental disorders largely commence before the age of 25 years” and early intervention is of key importance. However the report reveals that, “the proportion of Australian adults with current mental health problems using traditional health care services has not increased (38% in 1997 v 35% in 2007). This is despite the apparent success of public awareness campaigns that have promoted help seeking and some substantial changes in primary care-based approaches to the provision of medical and psychological treatments.”

“A significant national investment in e-mental health would not only give a real boost to prevention and early intervention, it would also address the fundamental lack of access to mental health services in this country,” they said.