[Problem groups in therapeutic communities for neurotics]

From a total of 71 problem groups the author described 9 groups as hopeless and 62 groups as hopeful problem groups. The main adverse factor is the inadequate composition of the group, in particular a predominance of hypothymic members inadequately motivated for group therapy. In hopeless groups it is not possible to use effectively group events for therapeutic purposes and treatment depends mainly on the therapists. In hopeful problem groups it is possible to release by differentiated group-focused procedures the therapeutic potential and group dynamics and use them successively for treatment.