[Utilization and significance of self-help groups in treatment careers of psychosomatic inpatients].
OBJECTIVE
Patients' self-help group participation has been neglected in psychotherapy research. This study determines previous self-help group experience, therapist recommendations and plans for future participation.


METHODS
1,604 patients were surveyed by questionnaire at intake and discharge from psychosomatic treatment regarding previous self-help experiences, therapist recommendation and plans for future self-help participation.


RESULTS
Patients with self-help experience (12 %) were slightly older and more educated. They reported a longer duration of disease, more previous psychotherapy, more interpersonal problems and less social support compared to non-participants. At discharge, a total of 23 % intended to participate in a self-help group. Therapist recommendations (in 19 %) influenced patients' choices.


CONCLUSIONS
The significance of self-help group participation in inpatient care, its significance in treatment careers and implications for consulting patients are discussed.
Höflich
Anke
A
Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Strasse 8, D-55131 Mainz, Germany. hoeflich@uni-mainz.de
Meyer
Fridhelm
F
Matzat
Jürgen
J
Hartmann
Susanne
S
Lotzemer-Jentges
Anne
A
Bleichner
Franz
F
Knickenberg
Rudolf J
RJ
Beutel
Manfred E
ME
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014600:Utilization Review / Q000706:statistics & numerical data