Possible risks

Support groups may have drawbacks. Effective groups often depend on the organizer to help the group stay away from these problems. Potential problems that can happen are:

• Group members that cause trouble or distractions.
• Talks in the group are taken over by complaining.
• People sharing what's discussed in the group with others, or not keeping information private within the group.
• Emotional troubles, group tension or fights between members.
• Medical advice that is not proper, sound or accurate.
• Members comparing or competing with others whose conditions or experiences are worse.