Cults and zealous self-help movements: a psychiatric perspective

Article Abstract:

In recent decades, there has been considerable growth in the number of groups whose stated purpose is to enable their members to obtain psychological or spiritual health through membership in the group. Depending upon an orientation that is primarily religious, or upon behavior modification as a form of self-help, these charismatic groups may be termed cults or zealous self-help movements. An example of the former is the Unification Church ('Moonies'), while Alcoholics Anonymous is a well-known example of a successful self-help movement. Both groups are characterized by external social cohesiveness, strongly maintained belief systems, and a strong influence upon the behavior of their members. In some groups, altered consciousness also plays a role in promoting the stability of the group. With over 12 million people in the United States belonging to self-help groups, the impact of group membership upon the psychiatric status of these people may be significant. Many of these groups operate by placing their members first in a situation where they are obliged to engage in deviant behavior, and then alleviating the induced stress by encouraging the member's compliance with the group ideology. It is important for the psychiatrist to be aware that these groups can both generate and relieve psychiatric symptoms. Group ideology is often insensitive to the psychological complexities and diagnoses of potential members. Psychiatrists are in an excellent position to investigate the operation of these groups, and in some cases, to recommend such groups on the basis of the benefits that some seem to provide. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Cults, Self-help groups, Self help groups

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Christian psychiatry: the impact of evangelical belief on clinical practice

Article Abstract:

A recent renewal of religious commitment in the United States may lead to a reevaluation of how religious issues affect clinical psychiatric practice. Psychiatrists in the Christian Medical and Dental Society were surveyed to assess the role of religious beliefs in their practice. Questionnaires were sent to 260 members, and usable responses were received from 193. The subjects were asked about demographic and practice variables, ''born again'' religious experiences, cohesion of the group, and beliefs about using the Bible and prayer in treatment. The respondents were somewhat more religious than Americans overall, who are themselves more religious than most psychiatrists. Nearly all reported having been ''born again,'' after which they reported a decrease in emotional stress. For schizophrenic patients the psychiatrists considered medication the most important treatment but they rated the Bible and prayer most effective for suicidal patients, those if grief, and alcoholics. Whether or not the patient had Christian beliefs made a difference in prescribing prayer as treatment. About 50 percent said they would discourage abortion, homosexuality, or premarital sex. Many studies have suggested a need for more sensitivity to religious issues by psychiatrists, and this study provides systematic findings on one approach. It remains important to evaluate ways in which a religious perspective can be related to clinical practice and what benefits and problems may derive from such a relationship. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Behavior, Religion, Psychiatrists, Psychiatry, Evangelistic work, Evangelism, Psychiatry and religion

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Combined Alcoholics Anonymous and professional care for addicted physicians

Article Abstract:

One hundred physicians who had been treated for substance abuse were questioned almost three years later as to the effectiveness of their rehabilitation. The treatment approaches used were Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and psychotherapy. Most subjects were between 40 and 50 years of age, married, and male. A range of specialties was represented. Alcoholics Anonymous was considered the most important element in these physicians' recovery, with physician-assisted recovery efforts ranked less important. The subjects had strong feelings of attachment to AA and to fellow AA members, as well as to the role of caregiver in helping other addicts to recover. These factors were the best predictors of successful recovery. The group of 100, however, was not a random sample of the 550 previously impaired physicians initially invited to participate; it is possible that these subjects, who responded voluntarily, are not representative of rehabilitated physicians in general. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Physicians, Medical professions, Drug use, Alcoholics, Alcohol use, Alcoholics Anonymous

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