About the impossibility of a single (ex-)user and survivor of psychiatry position[This paper].

Objective: To present the European Network of (ex-)users and survivors of psychiatry and discuss issues of concern among (ex-)users and survivors. Method: 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. Conclusion: (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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]