Griffiths, K.M., Calear, A.L., & Banfield, M. (2009). Systematic review on Internet Support Groups (ISGs) and depression (1): Do ISGs reduce depressive symptoms? Journal of Medical Internet Research, 11(3), e40-e40.

To evaluate the evidence concerning the efficacy of Internet support groups (ISGs) in reducing symptoms of depression

• Databases searched were PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Database.
• Searched keywords were computer, Internet communication, and support.
• Studies were included if they employed an online peer-to-peer support group, incorporated either a depression outcome or involved an Internet support group relating to unipolar depression, or reported either quantitative or qualitative data.
• Authors did not specify exclusion criteria.
   

• Investigators retrieved a total of 158 studies.
• Investigators recorded study characteristics regarding design and other aspects of study quality. Investigators used no other method of quality evaluation.
• Of the studies retrieved, 16 involved a single component of peer-to-peer support. Of these 16, 4 reported that ISG had had a positive effect on symptoms of depression. Five of the 16 studies involved women with breast cancer.
• Twelve studies involved intervention components in addition to ISG. Only two of these reported positive results.
• Studies employed a bulletin board, chat room, or mailing list—alone or in combination. The duration of ISG intervention was 12 minutes to 12 months. Approximately 50% of interventions were moderated interventions, and the moderator was a healthcare professional.
• Only one study focused on rural participants.
• Of the final set of 28 studies, 9 involved patients with cancer. Most of these patients were women with breast cancer.
   

• The final number of studies included in the sample was 28.
• The mean range of participants was 10–2,373.
• Across studies, the median age range of patients was 26–65 years. Few samples focused on men, and most studies had a preponderance of women. 

• Multicomponent studies were less likely to yield significant positive outcomes than were stand-alone interventions (p = 0.01).
• Breast cancer ISGs were more successful than others (p = 0.02); however, all the studies involving ISGs originated from a single research group
• Authors noted no differences in outcomes between interventions involving chat rooms versus interventions involving static content.
• Authors noted no relationship between ISG participation and duration of intervention or ISG participation and outcomes or length of follow-up.
• Most studies were of low quality. Authors noted a correlation between low study quality and highly positive findings.
   

There is a need for high-quality research regarding the effect of ISGs on symptoms of depression.

This systematic review included data from studies available as of July 2007. Internet use and and social networking have increased since 2007—a fact that could alter the findings about the use and effect of ISGs. More research in this area is needed.

This review points to the need for high-quality research in this area. Theoretically, ISGs could be important for users who are isolated or unable to access face-to-face services readily; therefore, further research should be done.