Potential of e-health in relation to depression: short survey of previous research

Abstract

E-health is developing at a high rate and represents an opportunity for the development and spreading of information and communication channels to interested parties. The aim of this study was to get an overview and comprehension of the e-health field, with special focus on depression. A survey of initiatives and studies regarding e-health and depression was carried out. Relevant articles were found through searches on databases, search engines and reference lists. This paper shows that many different initiators with differing goals and motives are active within the e-health field. In the field of e-health and depression, the following areas show interesting results: studies mapping users' profile and habits, the quality of health-related information and the effectiveness of online therapies and supportive communities. Numerous initiators have launched different kinds of e-health initiatives. The potential of the Internet to be used constructively by health-care professionals and health-care consumers for health-enhancing purposes still needs to be mapped, evaluated and developed.