About the impossibility of a single (ex-)user and survivor of psychiatry position.
OBJECTIVE
To present the European Network of (ex-)users and survivors of psychiatry and discuss issues of concern among (ex-)users and survivors.


METHODS
Material from papers and documents published by and discussed among (ex-)users and survivors of psychiatry is used to outline topics of interest.


RESULTS
The European Network of (ex-)Users and Survivors of Psychiatry (ENUSP) was founded in 1991 as an association of national/regional organizations of (ex-)users and survivors of psychiatry. The network organizes biennial conferences, all delegates are (ex-)users and survivors of psychiatry. ENUSP aims include the fight against discrimination of people with experience of the psychiatric system, support for (ex-)user/ survivor organizations, influence on policy-making, legislation and human rights debates, demedicalizing psychiatry, and opposition to unidimensional approaches to mental and emotional distress.


CONCLUSIONS
(Ex-)users and survivors should be involved in monitoring psychiatric services, education and examination of mental health professionals. User/survivor-controlled services constitute an important innovative service.
Hölling
I
I
ENUSP, WNUSP, Technical University of Germany, Berlin.
D005060:Europe; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006806:Human Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D014837:Voluntary Health Agencies / Q000458:organization & administration*