[Palliative psychiatry; .an exploration].

Palliative care for psychiatric patients in the final phase of life deserves more attention. In addition, palliative care is also possible for people with chronic, treatment-refractory psychiatric disorders without imminent death. This fits well with existing approaches in chronic mental health care. To avoid association of such ‘alleviating’ policy with terminal care, the term ‘oyster’ care is preferable. Sometimes this can be an alternative to a self-chosen end of life.