When it comes to seeking psychiatric consultation, some may be fine seeking professional assistance face-to-face. Yet others who find it a daunting task resort to online consultations, Web forums and chat rooms, which experts caution might not yield positive results.
Health experts predict that the issue might be more prevalent among younger people, who fear that visiting a shrink at his office might affect their public image.
Some who have used web-based consulting tell Arab News that they use online services to ensure that their identity remains anonymous, which also makes them feel at ease when discussing their issues.
For Dr. Azza Saad Zaghloul, assistant professor of psychiatry and mental health nursing, the social stigma associated with visiting a professional psychiatrist is a familiar fear that professionals have come across.
Saad Zaghloul said: “Psychological ailments are just like any other physical ailment. Do you not go to the dentist when you have a toothache?”
“Mental illness should be treated the same and it is also the patient’s family’s responsibility to help them visit a psychiatrist for consultation to detract any issues, from mitigating to advanced stages,” he said.
Riyadh-based health expert Ahmad Al-Saeed said: “Psychiatric consultation websites are fine and are actually encouraged, particularly for those who feel nervous or shy to visit an actual clinic.
“We do use such online services for some people. However, online platforms need to be handled by professionals and the site itself has to be connected to the treatment clinic it represents online.”
Al-Saeed added: “There are some cases where the psychiatrist will ask the person to visit the clinic for additional sessions. People also might risk getting the wrong advice from unqualified people and therefore face further complications.”
A local patient said, “When you receive online consulting you are anonymous. You don’t have to disclose your real name, age, or location.”
To some, this is more comforting than actually visiting a psychiatrist or shrink.
“Social stigmas in our society still prevail; people might think you are crazy,” said a 22-year-old Jeddah resident.
“When individuals visit a specialist, they are treated with utmost care and attention and we aid our patients in getting past their issue and assist them in leading normal lives,” assured Zaghloul.
Youth opt for online shrinks
