Group psychotherapy format guided self‐help for patients with FNSD awaiting inpatient multidisciplinary treatment: A pilot study

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundWe describe our experience of developing Guided Self Help for patients with Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder as group therapy, delivered remotely, via Zoom.AimsThe aims of the current study are (a) to describe how the original Queen Square Guided Self‐Help (QGSH) was adapted for group therapy, and (b) to present a service evaluation of the first 8 months of running QGSH therapy groups remotely.MethodsWe carried out a review after 8 months, from 11 May 2021 until 31 January 2022.ResultsA total of 16 patients were treated in three groups. Assessing our outcomes in terms of Yalom's framework for group psychotherapy, we found that the group provided 10/11 of Yalom's therapeutic factors. Patient satisfaction was high.DiscussionWe outline for plans for further devaluation and development, including the development of a stand‐alone group.ConclusionThe group therapy format is a promising addition to our service.