Cults

THE PRACTICES of a rapidly expanding number of groups or cults, most calling themselves religions, are of great interest and concern to physicians, for frequently they must face either direct family involvement or a clinical problem of real urgency as a result of cult activities. To respond with professional competence is most difficult without some prior knowledge of the nature of these organizations and the problems generated by their activities.

Members  The new youth cults, though usually self-styled as religious for purposes of first amendment privileges, are increasingly dangerous to the health of their converts and menacing to their critics. Estimates of total US membership extend anywhere from 3 to 10 million people involved in more than 3,000 groups ranging in size from two or three members obeying a guru to many thousands. Their prominence is best demonstrated by the fact that almost everyone now knows some family who has