Psychiatry: a forum of specialists warns of the risk of fury due to poor care

50 doctors, psychologists and patients denounce the frequent gaps in care. They urge a jump start and warn against the dangers of inadequate treatment.

“The recent incidents in Annecy, Bordeaux and Reims, perpetrated by people suffering from serious mental problems, force us to reflect on the root and systemic causes that favor such acts. It is essential to relate them to thedeplorable state of public services, especially in the field of mental health and psychiatry, where the difficulties and the lack of means, human and financial, are glaring”, here is the beginning of the gallerypublished in Le Parisien on Friday July 21 (source 1).

Specialists recall that this crisis has been going on for several years, recalling that in 2018-2019, the Printemps de la psychiatrie movement already denounced the disaster of psychiatric care which neglects reception, human relations and interest in the lives of patients. However, their appeals were not heard politically, resulting in repression of whistleblowers and increased abuse. They insist on the lack of human resources, places and political will, which threatens universal access to psychiatric care. Places of reception and ambulatory services are overwhelmed, leaving aside prevention, which is essential in reducing the appearance of certain mental disorders. Other alarm from signatories: an increase and generalization of normally exceptional practices, such as restraint and isolation, which are rapidly becoming widespread, with minimal support often consisting in administering imposed treatments, without real social support. Counterproductive for patients and the understanding of their pathology. Psychiatric restraint, restraint and seclusion should only be used if necessary and always accompanied by psychological support. Otherwise, these practices amount to mistreatment and fuel resentment towards health professionals. Finally, all of the psychologists, patients and nursing staff in psychiatry explain that it is essential to question the culture of obstruction and confinement in psychiatry. Starting from the patient’s experience, recognizing their vulnerability and sensitivity is crucial for genuine empowerment within society.