2004 issue 4

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Volume 13, issue 4

Review article

Therapy via internet

ALEKSANDRA NAKONIECZNY1
1. Stowarzyszenia na Rzecz Osób Chorych na Schizofrenię „De Integro” w Dąbrowie Górniczej
Postępy Psychiatrii i Neurologii, 2004, 13 (4), 391-398
Keywords: Internet, therapy

Abstract

Aim. The paper presents assumptions, activities offered and some outcomes of functioning of the Internet portal "Knowing and understanding schizophrenia" (www.schizofrenia.info).

Review. The portal is a new, and in a sense experimental form of therapy – an Internet aid available to its participants. Patients, their friends and family members may get involved in various ways – through discussions on the web, co-editing a newsletter, writing a blog, sharing their accomplishments, both literary and in the fine arts. One asset of the portal is its constant accessibility both in time and in space. Another asset emphasized by the participants is its anonymity, as their need for "hiding the face" may originate from various reasons. There is one more invaluable feature – on the discussion forum experiences can be shared with those who have also suffered from psychosis, so it is possible to learn how others have coped with similar problems. Numerous opinions of the participants on this point are quoted.

Conclusions. The portal serves not only as a website that offers information about the illness. First and foremost it serves as a website self-support group, filling up the gap in the system of care provided to the patients, and constituting a supplementary form of schizophrenia treatment. It is also an evidence of the exceptional activity and creativity of people suffering from schizophrenia.

Address for correspondence:
mgr Aleksandra Nakonieczny,
os. Robotnicze 3/15,
42-520 Dąbrowa Górnicza - Ząbkowice;
e-mail: aleksandra@schizofrenia.info