Kyarunts, Mariam

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPatients increasingly rely on the Internet for healthcare information. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of videos on 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)‐assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on YouTube™.MethodsYouTube™ was searched for the terms “MDMA” and “PTSD.” The 100 most viewed videos were analyzed using three standard quality measures: Global Quality Scores (GQS), JAMA benchmark, and DISCERN. Viewer engagement features and source of upload, video duration, inclusion of patient narrative and/or MD/DO/PhD, the mention of lack of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, side effects, potential for abuse, and use in conjunction with psychotherapy were recorded.ResultsThe videos were of poor quality (mean GQS: 2.26 ± 0.94/5, JAMA: 1.96 ± 0.45/4, and DISCERN: 29.5 ± 8.2/80). A significant positive association was found between video quality and duration (GQS: r = .5857, p < .0001, JAMA: r = .279, p = .0409, DISCERN: r = .5783, p < .0001). Videos including an MD/DO/PhD had the highest scores (GQS: 2.87/5 [1.22], p = .006, DISCERN: 38.35/80 [13.32], p < .0003). A minority of videos were uploaded by academic institutions (1%); most were from professional organizations (29%). No correlation was found between quality and viewer engagement features‐number of views, subscribers, likes/dislikes, or comments. A majority mentioned that MDMA must be used in conjunction with psychotherapy (85%) and is not FDA‐approved (82%) for PTSD. Only 32% of videos mentioned risks or potential for abuse.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the need for better quality of online health material and an opportunity for involvement of healthcare professionals in the dissemination of accurate health information via content creation.Scientific SignificanceThis is the first study to examine publicly available information on the use of MDMA for PTSD.

ABSTRACT Introduction Watching videos on YouTube™ (http://www.youtube.com) to learn about diseases and treatments is becoming more popular. Objective This cross-sectional study evaluated the quality of YouTube™ videos on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Methods YouTube™ was searched for “premenstrual dysphoric disorder” and the fifty most viewed videos were analyzed. Three quality measures were used: Global Quality Scores, JAMA benchmark, and DISCERN. Other features recorded included video duration, views, likes, dislikes, and subscribers. Spearman correlation was calculated to understand the relationship between quality and those features. Source of upload, target audience, distinction between PMS and PMDD, and inclusion of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5) criteria of PMDD were recorded. Results The fifty videos had 2,004,266 views. No statistically significant associations were found between video quality and other features. Mean JAMA, GQS, and DISCERN were 1.96/4 (SD=0.45), 2.26/5 (0.94), and 29.5/80 (8.2), respectively. The majority (48%) of videos described symptoms and treatment. 14% gave DSM-5 for PMDD. The target audience were patients for 82%. The common sources of upload were individual users (34%), professional organizations (16%), healthcare professionals (12%), and academic organizations (10%). 20% mentioned the importance of tracking symptoms in a menstrual diary. 28% distinguished PMDD from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). 30% of the videos included personal narratives, 20% included descriptions from medical doctors, and 12% included both. Conclusions The overall quality of the videos is poor based on the three measures. Since the quality of videos remains unregulated and they are easily accessible, inaccurate information can be disseminated quickly. The study revealed a need for more objective biopsychosocial information on the diagnosis, clinical presentation, and treatment options on the video platform. Currently, healthcare professionals and academic institutions post only a minority of videos. To increase credible information, healthcare professionals and academic organizations can increase the number and quality of videos they make for YouTube™. Disclosure No