Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Mental Health
Date Submitted: Mar 5, 2021
Date Accepted: Jun 22, 2021
Internet search activity of young people with mood disorders hospitalized for suicidal thoughts and behaviors: a qualitative study of Google search activity
ABSTRACT
Background:
Little is known about the Internet search activity of people with suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB). This data source has the potential to inform both clinical and public health efforts at suicide risk assessment and prevention.
Objective:
To evaluate the Internet search activity of suicidal young people for evidence of suicidal ideation and behavioral health-related content.
Methods:
Individuals between 15 and 30 years old (N=43) with mood disorders who were hospitalized with STB provided access to their Internet search history. Searches conducted in the three-month period prior to hospitalization were extracted and manually evaluated for search themes related to suicide and behavioral health.
Results:
A majority (63%) of participants conducted suicide-related searches. Participants searched for information that exactly matched their planned or chosen method of attempted suicide in 21% of cases. Suicide-related search queries also included unusual suicide methods and references to suicide in pop culture. A majority of participants (77%) had queries related to help-seeking themes including how to find inpatient and outpatient behavioral health care. Queries related to mood/anxiety symptoms were found among 44% of participants and included references to panic disorder, inability to focus, feelings of loneliness, and despair. Queries related to substance use were found among 44% of participants. Queries related to traumatic experiences were present among 33% of participants. Few participants conducted searches for crisis hotlines (n=3).
Conclusions:
Individuals search the Internet for information related to suicide prior to hospitalization for STB. Improved understanding of search activity in suicidal people could inform outreach, assessment and intervention strategies for people at risk. Access to search data may also benefit the ongoing care of suicidal patients.
Citation
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