LETS WORK TOGETHER

Since the early 80s the emergence of AIDS has reminded us of the impor tance of mind-body unity and of the fundamental nature of a global cli nical approach to treatment. Given the diversity of their abilities, p sychoanalysts, nurses, psychiatrists and psychologists are called in a holistic approach to HIV patients. Public sector psychiatry however s eems to have avoided any involvement, although a collective approach i s necessary for patients, family and staff. Beyond the question of com munication, certain questions reveal deep resistance. These may come f rom therapists, teams or patients; they may be general or specific and cause misunderstanding and misuse of existing structures and a separa tion in terms of praxis which is prejudicial to the patients whose nee ds are considerable. Certain propositions take the psychological and p sychiatric needs of the patients, family and staff into account, both in and out of hospital so as to reduce institutional shortcomings. The y are inspired by a report ''AIDS and Psychiatry'' the essence of whic h is also found in the state document DH/DGS n(o) 96-494 of August 5, 1996. A back-up group is in charge of its application. Public psychiat ry can no longer ignore its duty concerning treatment and prevention.