Utilization and significance of self-help groups in treatment careers of psychosomatic inpatients

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. 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. 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. The significance of self-help group participation in inpatient care, its significance in treatment careers and implications for consulting patients are discussed.