Group psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy: psychodynamic considerations

Perspectives on the psychology of pharmacotherapy are much broader in therapy groups than in the dyadic relationship of individual psychotherapy. The author draws on several sources to develop descriptions of the possible psychodynamic effects of pharmacotherapy on group members for whom medication is prescribed, those for whom it is not prescribed, the group as a whole, and group leaders. In the context of dependency and other conflict sources, anxiety and attendant control issues generated by the collective meanings of medication can result in significant group denial and/or regression. This article underscores the importance of group leader awareness of the potential impact of pharmacotherapy on group dynamics and endorses ongoing therapeutic attention to these often subtle influences. The author suggests further study of the meanings of medication, their influences on individual and group dynamics, and the interventions considered most therapeutic.