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International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Review

Searching the internet for health information about bipolar disorder: some cautionary issues

Authors: Scott Monteith, Tasha Glenn, Michael Bauer

Published in: International Journal of Bipolar Disorders | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Adults routinely use the Internet as a source of health information. Patients with bipolar disorder and caregivers should be encouraged to increase their knowledge of this complex illness, including through the Internet. However, patients, caregivers, and physicians should be aware of potential perils when searching the Internet for health information, including loss of privacy, quality of web site content, and Internet scams. This review summarizes these cautionary issues. The digital divide remains and includes a lack of technical skills and competency in searching and appraising web sites, in addition to limited access to the Internet. Physicians should provide patients with a list of trustworthy web sites and a brief printed handout on concerns related to searching the Internet. More studies of the use of the Internet by patients with bipolar disorder are needed.

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Title: Searching the internet for health information about bipolar disorder: some cautionary issues
Authors: Scott Monteith
Tasha Glenn
Michael Bauer
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Journal of Bipolar Disorders / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 2194-7511
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2194-7511-1-22

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Searching the internet for health information about bipolar disorder: some cautionary issues

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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