[Psychiatry and the medical monopoly : professionals under guardianship, the population held hostage.]

This article is the condensed form of a report done by a group of the Quebec Social Affairs Professionals' Union. After reviewing the key events between 1960 and 1980 for the professional autonomy of paramedics, the authors describe their current struggle to free themselves from the grip of psychiatrists and to have their autonomy recognized. Their efforts in this direction as well as the legal obstacles are described. They conclude with a series of recommendations for improving the present situation.