RTL Today - Urgent reforms needed: Challenges mount in Luxembourg's psychiatric landscape, says SLPPP President

The state of psychiatric care in Luxembourg is raising concerns as experts voice the pressures besetting the system.

Dr Paul Hédo, President of the Luxembourg Society of Psychiatrists, Child Psychiatrists, and Psychotherapists (SLPPP), conveyed these worries in a recent interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio on Tuesday morning.

Citing data from a French study, Dr Hédo highlighted the pandemic's impact on mental health: a 7% rise in reported cases of depression, an 11% surge in anxiety symptoms, and a 5% increase in suicidal thoughts. He also noted the strain in his hospital (the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg - CHL, editor's note), where each day he witnesses at least ten calls from people struggling to secure appointments. Waiting times for child psychiatry appointments extend to six months, while emergency rooms consistently face overcrowding.

Urgent need for clear priorities

While acknowledging the potential of the Minister of Health's new national mental health plan, Dr Hédo cautioned against potential pitfalls. He expressed concern that while the plan encompasses many aspects, it lacks clear prioritisation.

Hédo recounted a prior mental health plan tailored to youth from a decade ago, outlining five critical priorities. However, none of these priorities materialised into action. As the next government assumes office, Dr Hédo emphasised the necessity of providing clear mandates to administrative bodies to execute initiatives effectively.

The SLPPP also found that there is a need to enhance support structures' competencies in understanding children and young people grappling with their mental well-being.

What should you do if you have mental health issues in Luxembourg?

Demand for comprehensive outpatient child psychiatry

Addressing the deficiencies in child and adolescent psychiatry, the SLPPP is advocating for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary outpatient sector. According to Hédo, it does not matter to the SLPPP who runs the outpatient sector, i.e., whether it is linked to a hospital or not. This question would have to be clarified on a political level.

An outpatient sector already exists in adult psychiatry, staffed by over 200 professionals and governed by the National Health Directorate and the National Health Fund (CNS). Speculation surrounds the Directorate's intent to grant a commercial company a licence for therapeutic housing catering to severe mental illnesses. Dr Hédo urged the Directorate to clarify its stance on this matter.

Amplifying departmental capacities and training

The SLPPP is urging for fortified child and adolescent psychiatric departments within hospitals and a re-evaluation of emergency room organisation in adult psychiatry. Dr Hédo called for a comprehensive assessment of bed availability across psychiatric units and advocated for enhanced training opportunities for psychiatrists and child psychiatrists at the University of Luxembourg. Presently, progress in this area is hindered by the university's stance, but Dr Hédo stressed the imperative to move forward.