[Group psychotherapy in psychiatry--results of a pilot study and perspectives]

This paper reports about first preliminary results of an investigation by DGPPN regarding group therapeutic work in psychiatric inpatient settings throughout the Federal Republic of Germany. The DGPPN sub-section "Group Therapy in Psychiatry" was set up by starting with this pilot study using a preliminary version of a questionnaire which is currently under revision for future investigations. This paper also deals with a brief historical survey of the origins of group work and group therapy in institutions. In regards to the installation of the new domain of a "Physician for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy" it is intended to theoretically consolidate group therapy in psychiatric facilities. The "Interpersonal Model" of Sullivan is being highlighted as a useful theory towards an integration of various theoretical perspectives such as biological, individual, interpersonal, and sociological ones. This integration is being stressed for education/ training and treatment aspects in psychiatry and psychotherapy as well.