Psychoanalysis in the hospital

elements of a past and present praxis

Abstract

Hospitals have increasingly become fields of activity for psychologists in Brazil. The insertion and development of psychology in the hospital figures as an answer for challenges faced by health services in the face of expressions of suffering. Among psychologists who work in hospitals, many have Psychoanalysis as their theoretical orientation, which implies reflecting on this practice in its relationship with theoretical construction. This paper intends to present a historical overview of the insertion of psychology in hospitals and to reflect on the psychoanalytic clinic in this context, from its beginnings to nowadays. A critical narrative review was carried out covering articles, books, dissertations and theses that contemplate the history of medicine, psychology, psychoanalysis and the hospital. Considering that in psychoanalysis researches, theory and clinical practice go side by side, the authors practice in hospital institutions was used to revisit situations experienced in their daily work that are used as support for theoretical reflections. From this point of view, it was discussed that what is expected of a psychoanalyst or a psychologist in a hospital is often an objective performance that promotes adherence to treatment, an issue that clashes with the moral dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals. Thus, the place of psychoanalysis in the hospital is related to the production of a savoir-faire that promotes dialogue with medicine precisely where knowledge about illness escapes medical knowledge. It is also discussed that it is the role of the hospital psychologist to contribute to psychoanalytic theory without losing sight of what each subject has to say. We conclude that although we cannot affirm that there is psychoanalysis stricto sensu in the hospital, since adaptations of the device are required, a listening work guided by psychoanalysis brings unique effects for patients and healthcare professionals.