[Palliative psychiatry; .an exploration].

Abstract

Background: Many psychiatric disorders have a chronic and/or recurrent course. The suffering of these patients and their relatives is usually significant, and mortality is increased.

Aim: To explore the place of palliative care in psychiatry and for patients with unbearable and hopeless psychiatric suffering, in particular.

Method: Literature review.

Results: There is a growing literature on the place of palliative care in psychiatry and addiction care.

Conclusion: Palliative care for psychiatric patients in the final phase of life deserves more attention. In addition, palliative care is also possible for people with chronic, treatment-refractory psychiatric disorders without imminent death. This fits well with existing approaches in chronic mental health care. To avoid association of such ‘alleviating’ policy with terminal care, the term ‘oyster’ care is preferable. Sometimes this can be an alternative to a self-chosen end of life.