title: Destructive cultism.
abstract: Bizarre cults harmful to the physical and emotional health of adolescents, young adults and their families have been increasing in our society. Destructive cultism is a distinct syndrome. It includes behavioral and personality changes, loss of personal identity, cessation of scholastic activities, estrangement from family, disinterest in society and pronounced mental control and enslavement by cult leaders. Management of this sociopathic problem requires confrontation, rehabilitation, sociologic, psychotherapeutic and general medical measures.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003376:Counseling; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009938:Organizations; D010551:Personality; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012067:Religion; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States