[Utilization of self-help groups and psychotherapy after psychosomatic-psychotherapeutic in-patient treatment].
Until now little is known about the role of participation in self-help groups alone or combined with psychotherapy in post-in-patient care. In the present study 2933 patients were questioned about their experience of self-help groups and psychotherapy after discharge from a clinic for psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy. Nearly 8 % of them utilized self-help groups (mostly combined with out-patient psychotherapy), and altogether 68 % out-patient psychotherapy following in-patient treatment. Patients without out-patient treatment were psychologically less burdened and had better resources than participants of self-help groups or psychotherapy. Self-help group members differed from patients in out-patient psychotherapy by expressing a more positive opinion of groupwork and higher openness to new experiences. Additionly, they had discussed the topic of self-help groups more frequently with their therapists. This may be a starting-point for promoting more self-help activities of patients in the future.
Höflich
Anke
A
Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Klinikum der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany. hoeflich@uni-mainz.de
Matzat
Jürgen
J
Meyer
Friedhelm
F
Knickenberg
Rudolf J
RJ
Bleichner
Franz
F
Merkle
Wolfgang
W
Reimer
Christian
C
Franke
Wolfram
W
Beutel
Manfred E
ME
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*