Clinical Psychology 9 (2016), 1, 53-53


Oral papers

Mental & Sexual Health Issues in Psychotherapy with Gay Men


B. Ruesink - Praktijk Ruesink, Practice For Psychiatry, Psychotherapy & Sexology, Amsterdam; Lgbt&psychiatry, Section of The Dutch Society of Psychiatry, Utrecht; Dutch Society of Sexology, Wormerveer, Netherlands

https://doi.org/10.21465/2016-KP-OP-0031

Fulltext (english, pages 53-53).pdf


Abstracts
Objective: The prevalence of mental and sexual health problems is high among gay men. They often co exist and do so amongst a certain subgroup of gay men. What kind of mental and sexual health problems are so prevalent? Do mental and sexual health issues interrelate and if so, in what way? Can we define gay men ‘at risk’ for developing sexual and mental problems? How to address the specific health care needs of gay men in psychotherapy? What are the specific characteristics of psychotherapy for gay men? The aim is to learn about and understand these issues. Design and Method: An oral presentation will be given, based on the outcome of international research, literature and clinical practice. Psychiatric interviewing, assessment of sexual functioning, gay specific history taking and aspects of gay specific development are discussed. Interactive discussion with the audience sharing knowledge and clinical experience will deepen our understanding. Results: Mental and sexual health among gay men remains surprisingly poor. Anxiety, depression, mood disorders, suicidality are more common than among heterosexual men. 4/5 of gay men suffer from at least one sexual dysfunction. Treatment focusses on symptom relief and supports gay development. Conclusions: Gay men development is characterized by developmental tasks, challenges and risks. Some gay men get clinical problems: mental, sexual or both for which appropriate treatment is needed. Contemporary issues in psychotherapy with gay men are best addressed by a developmental approach.


© Naklada Slap, with you since 1985. All rights reserved.
Kontakt: Head office

NAKLADA SLAP d.o.o.
Dr. Franje Tuđmana 33, 10450 Jastrebarsko

+ 385 (0)1 6281 774
nslap@nakladaslap.com
Branch office

NAKLADA SLAP
Centar za edukacije i istraživanja
Miramarska cesta 105, 10000 Zagreb
+ 385 (0)1 6313 044
zagreb@nakladaslap.com