LThe Minister of Health and Prevention, Aurélien Rousseau, at the University of the Confederation of French Medical Unions called on October 6th for students to choose plastic surgery at the expense of psychiatry. He particularly pointed out that our specialty is among the bottom in the national medical ranking tests. In 2023, out of 547 vacancies, the specialty left 67 vacant places, 67 opportunities to build a modern, humane care system adapted to today’s challenges. Everyone can and must choose their career based on their passion. Above all, we believe that the problem stems from a deep misunderstanding of ourselves and our usefulness.

The numbers speak for themselves. One in five French people is affected by psychiatric disorders and seven in ten people say they need to take care of their mental health. according to the CoviPrev survey has been carried out by Public Health France since 2020, often with difficulties. Overall, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the general population is enormous: 1% of schizophrenic disorders, 1.5% of bipolar disorders, 10% of depressive disorders and as many anxiety disorders, without forgetting neurodevelopmental disorders, of which more than 10% of the population are affected. or even post-traumatic disorders and addictions. Each of us can be affected directly or indirectly. And the impact of psychiatric disorders on the family or professional community is often severe and destabilizing. This shows that the profession of psychiatrist is a profession with a future.

Certainly the difficulties of our health system are many and health is not doing well, especially mental health, as has been reiterated again and again in numerous articles, columns and reports in recent years. There are currently 15,000 psychiatrists working, including 2,000 in child and adolescent psychiatry; But almost 25% of them (3,600 according to the Directorate of Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics) are over 65 years old, and many hospital posts remain unfilled due to significant territorial differences. The challenges we face are numerous and complex. However, we know that our field has the dynamism and innovative spirit and that its stakeholders have the qualities of commitment to overcome these collective challenges.

The patient, the central actor in his care

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