[Institutional organization of a hospital dermatology service with a responsibility for psychosomatic care].

Abstract

Clinicians trained in dermatology and having submitted themselves to psychoanalysis have developed an original psychosomatic approach to skin disease at the Tarnier Hospital (Cochin-Port Royal University Hospital Center). Its mainspring is detection and management of the patient's distress. The author analyzes the conditions under which it was possible to carry out this experiment and the implications of this approach which is directed at achieving a change in the way the department is run rather than adding one more specialized appendage to the outpatient care activity.