Do Patients Look Up Their Therapists Online? An Exploratory Study Among Patients in Psychotherapy

摘要: Background: The use of the Internet as a source health information is growing among people who experience mental difficulties. increase in has led to questions about online information-seeking behaviors, for example, how psychotherapists and patients ascertain each other. notion seeking their (patient-targeted googling, PTG) been identified explored. However, idea searching (therapist-targeted TTG) associated motives effects on therapeutic relationship remain unclear. Objective: This study investigated former current German-speaking psychotherapy patients’ behavior attitudes relating TTG. In addition, methods gathering, motives, success were examined. Furthermore, experiences perceptions PTG Methods: Overall, 238 responded new questionnaire specifically designed assess frequency, use, outcomes TTG well PTG. sample was nonrepresentative convenience recruited via several therapy platforms self-help forums. Results: Of responded, 106 (44.5%) had obtained therapists; most them (n=85, 80.2%) used this. Besides curiosity, behind searches included desire get know therapist better by attempting search both professional private information. appeared be with phases which felt that progress not being made. Patients treated personality disorders appear engage more frequently (rphi = 0.21; P=.004). general, however, therapists sought often found. refrained from telling searches. Conclusions: obtain psychotherapists. can viewed form client-initiated disclosure. It therefore important include subject therapists' education also raise awareness within patient education. investigation provides first findings into begin debate this subject. [JMIR Ment Health 2016;3(2):e22]