Medical Information
*Please note -- this information is not meant to replace trusted medical advice from your own doctor or specialist. Use this information as a reference and a guide to educate yourself, but always consult with a medical professional first.
drkoop
http://www.drkoop.com
Spearheaded by the former surgeon general, C. Everett Koop, this user-friendly site contains an impressive array of mental health information, with hundreds of articles on concerns ranging from compulsive gambling and stress to bipolar disorder and suicide. It also boasts more than 130 daily chat support groups with topics such as first-time fathers, addiction and recovery, aging, weight loss and surviving panic attacks.
Healthfinder
http://www.healthfinder.org
A government gateway to health information. Nicely divided into categories for easy navigation at a glance. Includes hot topics, news, smart choices, tools, family links, and FAQ's about the site. Other nice features include a search option and an A-Z topic list.
HealthWorld Online
http://www.healthy.net
Although the site's “Diseases/Conditions” search function will yield a multitude of articles, its biggest draw is its “Wellness Center”, which addresses issues of body, mind, spirit and health, and features articles from heavy hitters in these fields such as Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and Dr. Carolyn Myss. Read the practical “Mind/Body Health Archive”, with articles such as “Depression and Health Care” and “Halting Time Pressure”.
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com
This is a link to the Mayo Clinic. This sit contains links to reliable information on a variety of health topics, such as Cancer, Heart, Alzheimer's and more.
Mental Health Net
http://www.mentalhelp.net
One of the largest Internet sites devoted exclusively to mental health. Mental Health Net is a veritable self-help center. Here you can read extensive articles on mental disorders and treatments, participate in more than a dozen support groups, peruse multiple bulletin boards, locate mental health organizations, consult online resources, check out the latest book reviews, and even find a therapist.
National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov
Another government site linked through the National Institutes of Health. Offers MEDLINE searches, factsheets, and bibliographies. Has the look and feel of a government publication but also contains several interesting hotlinks to HIV/AIDS Resources, Toxicology Information, and Images from the History of Medicine.
National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
This government-sponsored web site features the latest studies and advances in research. Here you can look into participating in clinical trials that have posted notices for volunteers, and review straightforward descriptions of diseases and treatments, with a long list of organizations to contact for more information.
MDchoice
http://www.mdchoice.com
A small but easy-to-navigate site containing MEDLINE access, MedFinder Web Search, and other topics. Includes a Pediatrics category and Patient Education Center.
IVillage
http://www.ivillage.com
A new online psych test and Quiz Center make this women-focused site truly participatory. Test yourself on everything from your emotional intelligence to your compatibility with your mate. A mental health section offers basic information on dozens of conditions including ADD, eating disorders, post-partum depression, and trauma and abuse; daily articles on topics such as “mourning for an ex-husband”; bulletin boards posting readers' questions with answers from professionals; and multiple chat opportunities.
Rx.com
http://www.rx.com
In its “Conditions A-Z”, this online pharmacy contains an alphabetical listing of mental health conditions such as separation anxiety disorder and schizophrenia. In addition to basic descriptions and symptoms, it lists the tests and treatments you might expect to receive. You can also get thorough, easy-to-understand information on different medications through the site's drug factsheets. Skip the “Natural Medicines” guides, however, which provide only limited information.
