The development of a support group organization for headache sufferers

People with a wide variety of problems use support groups. We describe the development, structure and current functioning of a support group organization for headache sufferers, which has grown from ten members to 300 in four years. About one-half of the members participate in ten currently functioning support groups. In addition to these support groups, the organization plays an active role in the community by sponsoring public awareness seminars, publishing a quarterly newsletter, providing emergency treatment cards, and making knowledgeable speakers available to local business groups. The membership has been described by means of a questionnaire. Information regarding medical history, impact of headaches on everyday functioning, and involvement with the organization is presented. Future directions of the organization are discussed.