News Release, 23 August 2000
Following successful field-testing, the Mental Health Foundation has launched a new self-help CD Rom for anyone experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression.
The CD Rom, Restoring the Balance, is specifically designed to provide users with information and strategies for managing anxiety or depression. Although primarily designed for use in primary care settings, such as GP surgeries, where a practitioner is available to provide post-session support, this new program can also be used on its own by mental health service users. Its straightforward graphics make it particularly suitable for people who have little or no previous experience of using computers, and the CD Rom comes complete with worksheets.
Dr Jo Borrill, clinical research manager at the Mental Health Foundation says, "People are becoming increasingly used to computer technology, which gives us an opportunity to develop new, accessible ways of providing support to people experiencing emotional distress. Restoring the Balance is a new way for people experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression to practise self-management techniques. Based on cognitive-behavioural strategies, the program helps people manage their own thoughts, feelings and behaviour, putting the individual back in control."
The Mental Health Foundation recommends that anybody using the program should talk over ideas and outcomes with health professionals or a supportive friend. The instructions, text and graphics have been kept very simple so that the experience of using Balance is as stress-free as possible.
Restoring the Balance has been successfully field-tested in a primary care setting with patients experiencing anxiety and depression. In comparison with a control group, use of the program by patients was found to have a positive impact on calmness and mood measured on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale.
Return to news releases 2000
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
