[The place of the subclavian catheter in the treatment of severe psychotic patients (author's transl)].

The insertion of a central venous catheter in the treatment of psychiatric patients is discussed on the basis of the therapeutic results obtained in 102 cases admitted to a psychiatric intensive care unit. Psychiatric indications and contraindications are now added to the known general indications and contraindications under other circumstances. Hypercaloric solutions, insertion technique into the subclavian and external jugular veins, duration of catether-aided nutrition and incidence of complications are discussed. The groups of psychiatric patients in whom the diagnosis is likely to lead to catheterization are defined. Two well-known catheter systems are discussed.