Abstract
E-mental health services are able to provide tools and services to facilities treatment for many various mental disorders, such as Attentions Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affect approximately 5% of adults. This paper presents the findings of 12 interviews with psychologist who are specialized in treating adults with ADHD. The interviews emphasis on the use of Information Technology (IT) by psychologists in their treatment of ADHD. The analysis shows that using IT is beneficial for psychologists and patients. However, there are some issues emerged from the findings that could limit the usability of IT.
TopBackground
E-health services have abilities that can support countries in meeting challenges currently existing in their health services (Wickramasinghe, Geisler, & Schaffer, 2005). This can be done by providing better access to information and services, managing changes in population health patterns and increasing satisfaction and safety of stakeholders. E-health services cover a wide range of services which includes eMH (Binhadyan et al., 2014; Christensen, Griffiths, & Korten, 2002). eMH is relatively new, and there are exciting outcomes in using technologies among different age groups, for different mental disorders' preventions, treatments, and interventions (Whittaker et al., 2012).
In addition, eMH services can provide solutions to reduce issues that are preventing people from accessing mental health services or barriers to treatment. Issues arise due to this includes location, time of the services and/or patient, financial matters (Booth et al., 2004) and stigma incurred by seeing a therapist (Burns et al., 2010; Christensen & Hickie, 2010).
Reynolds, Griffiths, and Christensen (2011) claim that eMH services programs can be classified in to two categories:
- 1.
Information, support and assessment web sites: this includes informative website, diagnostics tools and screening methods.
- 2.
Symptom prevention and management programs: these programs are designed to treat or manage specific mental illness such as depression and anxiety.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Psychotherapy: A psychological mental disorder’s treatment.
Executive Functions: A centralized primary cognitive process which control, manage, supervise, connect and functions a set of cognitive processes.
Neurofeedback: A tool that is employs real-times brain activities to assist in self-regulation in brain functions.
Assistive Technology: Technological support tools that are used to improve issues related to ADHD.
Positron Emission Tomography: An imaging test to assist to show how tissues and organs are functioning of people.
Test of Variables of Attention: A neuropsychological tool to measure an individual’s level of attention.
Continuous Performance Test: A set of test tools that used to measure attention.