Aim of this study is to emphasize the value of group psychotherapy in a “acute cases” department of psychiatry clinic during the first days of unwilling hospitalization

We studied an open group of patients of the closed department during the first days of their unwilling hospitalization, a doctor, a nurse and a social worker. Mini and BPRS scales were used. The diagnosis was determined by DSM IV.

Although at first, group therapy was regarded to be too difficult for these patients, we tried to develop a climate of acceptance, safety and empathy and so, the group therapy was taking part twice a week. At first, patients were in embarrassment, they were suspicious, afraid, and unable to get in a discussion in the context of a group. Next weeks, patients who had taken part in the first groups of psychotherapy, started to help the other patients to participate in the group therapy. As the time passed, the patients and the four professionals were participating with the same ability. Patients exchanged opinions about the psychiatric illnesses, they expressed their emotions, their fears, and they worked out with their anger.

It was very helpful especially with patients who were concealed their symptoms and they understood that they had to be in treatment because of the best of their psychic health

Group therapy is necessity not only for the therapeutic interventions in outpatients but for patients in closed psychiatric departments.