[Neuropsychiatric associations in Belgium: from foundation to separation (1869-2008)]

Background Professional associations have traditionally been important to the specialization process and identity of medical specialists. Psychiatry and neurology share common origins in the 19th century and subsequently went through a major evolution. However, relatively little is known about the role of neuropsychiatric associations. Aim To provide a concise historical overview of the Belgian neuropsychiatric associations and understand the factors that mattered in their formation and dissolution. Method Descriptive research based on oral testimonies, archival material, journals of the concerned associations and secondary literature. Results In 1869, the then ‘alienists’ founded the first Belgian psychiatric association. Subsequently, three fault lines – professional associations versus scientific associations, regional versus national associations, neurological versus psychiatric associations – led to the current neurological and psychiatric associations in Belgium. Conclusion Over time, the neuropsychiatric associations have helped define the identity of neurology and psychiatry. On the other hand, the associations themselves have been subject to both substantive factors, i.e. the evolution of the discipline, and non-substantive factors. The latter are specific to Belgium and concern linguistic struggles and a historically created split between scientific associations and professional associations.