Emilie Kristine Dyrlev

Psychiatry is a prominent political topic. A rapidly growing number of people require psychiatric treatment, yet psychiatric institutions in many countries have sparse resources. Digitalization can be seen as a solution to this problem. Digital tools can alleviate pressure from healthcare professionals and empower patients to manage their treatment on their own. As such, digital psychiatry taps into the general movement towards patient self-management in healthcare. Yet, digital psychiatry complicates roles and relationships in psychiatry. This dissertation examines expertise in digital psychiatry and focuses on what happens between patients and professionals when technology becomes an integral part of the treatment. In doing so, the dissertation uses a variety of methods, including a large survey, qualitative interviews, and participant observations of a specific digital therapy initiative. The dissertation shows that digital therapy becomes embedded in patients’ daily lives because the treatment happens outside the psychiatric clinic. At the same time, the treatment may feel like an incessant, pending assignment for patients. Whether digital psychiatry is experienced as empowerment or as an overwhelming responsibility is influenced by social stratification, and some patients need more support than the digital tools can offer. Therefore, interpersonal relationships and trust between patients and professionals are of vital importance, but such relationships can be difficult for professionals to sustain. The dissertation shows how professionals undergo a form of displacement and must support patient self-help and technology. This displacement can make professionals feel redundant, yet it may also give rise to emerging professional identities. 

The dissertation will be available for download later, pending publication of specific results.