McMaster launches accessible mental health information resource

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, September 24, 2003-McMaster University is launching a new website that provides down-to-earth, accessible information on mental health and psychiatric disorders, at www.psychdirect.com.

With one in four people being affected by mental health problems, the need for accurate information in the community is a pressing one. The PsychDirect site filters professional calibre information from faculty clinicians and researchers at McMaster and its affiliated hospitals into understandable and relevant content.

"We believe that everyone has the right to as much information as they need or want to enable them to be collaborative partners in their own health care as well as that of their loved ones," said Gayle Stoness, Program Manager of PsychDirect.

The website grew from a successful telephone service for depression information and aims to encourage early detection and treatment of mental disorders. Another goal of PsychDirect is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental health issues.

The site features a wide range of topics, from anxiety disorders and depression to clinical criminology and forensic psychiatry. Users can determine the level of information they want to pursue, ranging from a simple overview to scientific journal articles.

"The public can benefit from credible, evidence-based information in several formats," explained Stoness.

The information comes from mental health professionals from several disciplines, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses and mental health lawyers.

One of McMaster's mood disorders experts who has contributed to the site and specializes in TMS therapy, Dr. Gary Hasey, will be featured on the CTV W-FIVE documentary Depression: Fighting the Dragon on Saturday, September 27 at 7 p.m.

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Contact: Gayle Stoness
Program Manager, PsychDirect
905-522-1155 ext 3572
stonesg@mcmaster.ca

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