Publications by authors named "Bart Groeneweg"

Background: The chronic nature of depression and limited availability of evidence-based treatments emphasize the need for complementary recovery-oriented services, such as peer support interventions (PSIs). Peer support is associated with positive effects on clinical and personal recovery from mental illness, but little is known about the processes of engagement that foster change, and studies targeting individuals with depression specifically are limited.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether the level of user engagement, assessed on several dimensions, in an online peer support community for individuals with depression promotes empowerment and the use of self-management strategies and reduces symptom severity and disability.

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Background: The benefits of peer support interventions (PSIs) for individuals with mental illness are not well known. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of PSIs for individuals with mental illness for clinical, personal, and functional recovery outcomes.

Methods: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO (December 18, 2020).

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Background: Internet support groups enable users to provide peer support by exchanging knowledge about and experiences in coping with their illness. Several studies exploring the benefits of internet support groups for depression have found positive effects on recovery-oriented values, including empowerment. However, to date, little attention has been paid to user narratives.

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Interruption or abrupt discontinuation of the use of antidepressants may lead to withdrawal symptoms. These are most common with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).There is insufficient scientific evidence about the prevalence of antidepressant withdrawal symptoms and how to optimally discontinue antidepressants.

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