title: [Self-help groups in dermatology].
abstract: In Western Germany there are at least 2000 self-help groups concerned with dermatological conditions. Besides therapeutic functions, self-help groups deal with prophylaxis and public relations. Interaction between self-help groups and doctors is biased by expectations of support on the self-help groups' side and fears and prejudices on the doctors' side. Thus, for the benefit of their own patients doctors should be well informed about self-help groups working in their region, as the quality of help received from these groups varies widely. In this paper we have listed super-regional contact addresses of self-help groups.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Dermatologie und Venerologie I, Universitäts-Hautklinik Göttingen.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Karches
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Kölmel
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012803:Sick Role; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000523:psychology*
vernacular_title: Selbsthilfegruppen in der Dermatologie.