The Use of Technology in Mental Health: Applications, Ethics and Practice

摘要

As we progress into the 21st century, mental health problems ranging from depression, anxiety and stress to more serious illnesses are becoming particularly pervasive. The World Health Organisation estimates that mental health problems can touch the lives of 450 million people globally including a quarter of the population of the United Kingdom (Hanif, 2011, p. 41). Societies in both developed and developing countries are presented with the numerous challenges of mental health problems. For example, the 2011 Edelman's biannual Asia-Pacific Digital Health Index survey of different online channels revealed that in India mental illness was the most discussed subject eclipsing all other major health problems ("Mental Illness", 2011). Overall, providing affordable mental health services becomes a pertinent global issue with online therapy increasingly turning into a legitimate partner of face-to-face medicine.