title: Obsessive-compulsive disorder support groups: the Iowa model.
abstract: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a distressing and potentially disabling disorder characterized by intrusive obsessional thoughts and repetitive ritualistic behaviors. In recent years, OCD has been recognized as a relatively common condition that responds well to treatment, usually a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Support groups, usually patient-generated, have become popular adjuncts to the treatment of a variety of conditions. Their applicability to OCD is explored in this report and a successful model developed by the authors is described. The model emphasizes patient education and emotional support. A similar group for family members is also described. Both groups have provided interdisciplinary training experiences for resident physicians in psychiatry, medical and nursing students, and social work practicum students.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City.
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Black
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Blum
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005196:Family Therapy; D005260:Female; D006127:Group Structure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support