Internet-based intervention for mental health and substance use problems in disaster-affected populations: a pilot feasibility study

Behav Ther. 2006 Jun;37(2):190-205. doi: 10.1016/j.beth.2005.12.001. Epub 2006 Mar 27.

Abstract

Early interventions that reduce the societal burden of mental health problems in the aftermath of disasters and mass violence have the potential to be enormously valuable. Internet-based interventions can be delivered widely, efficiently, and at low cost and as such are of particular interest. We describe the development and feasibility analysis of an Internet-delivered intervention designed to address mental health and substance-related reactions in disaster-affected populations. Participants (n = 285) were recruited from a cohort of New York City-area residents that had been followed longitudinally in epidemiological research initiated 6 months after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The intervention consisted of 7 modules: posttraumatic stress/panic, depression, generalized anxiety, alcohol use, marijuana use, drug use, and cigarette use. Feasibility data were promising and suggest the need for further evaluation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cost of Illness
  • Disasters / statistics & numerical data*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Mental Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Psychotherapy / statistics & numerical data*
  • Self-Help Groups*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / prevention & control