Right to attention to sexuality for people with mental disorders: bridges between health and social services

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of supporting the sexual health and rights of people with mental disorders through collaboration between health and social services.

Contribution

The paper introduces a collaborative model involving healthcare teams, families, and social services to promote healthy sexuality for people with mental disorders.

Findings

A significant percentage of patients expressed concern about sexuality and were referred to a specialized program.

The experience with the program was positive, highlighting the need for community-based sexual education.

Collaboration with non-profit entities improved support for patients with severe mental disorders.

Abstract

The expression of sexuality in the adult with mental disorders depends on the early incorporation of factors for promoting social inclusion. It is fundamental that sexual educators and advisors, in addition to working with the clients, also work with close family members. Intervention programs should establish objectives for developing a positive attitude towards sexuality in people with mental disorders and improving self-esteem (Katz G,Salud Publica Mex. 2008;50 Suppl 2:s239-54).

Achieving support for people with mental health problems and/or substance use disorder admitted to the Social Rehabilitation Process of a psychiatric hospital so that they develop their sexuality satisfactorily. The right to privacy must be taken into account.

Promoting a healthy and satisfactory development of sexuality in people with severe mental disorders. Raising awareness among healthcare teams, families and legal representatives regarding the need and suitability for support. Introducing the concept of sexuality as a dignifying perspective. Promoting sexual education that avoids disadvantages and situations of abuse in the target group. Coordinating the continuity of the project with non-health social services after discharge.

Possibility of receiving support in the development of sexuality through training, information and improvement in the management of emotions/feelings in people who express the need or willingness to receive it, will contribute to overcoming limitations or difficulties.

Detecting people who during 2021 wish to work on the objectives through the care team. Searching for community resources aimed at attending sexuality issues in people with mental health problems. Proposing the hospital a collaboration with a non-profit entity that develops a specialized program for attention to sexuality in disability. Coordination between Treatment team and Entity. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of one year of experience according to the parameters of the entity.

2022People includedPercentage of people admittedto the Income Unit (65)Detection concern sex-affectivity
57,69%Verbalized concern34,61%Referral to the entity program23,07%

All patients included have a diagnosis of psychosis. Experience was very positive for the participants. Community intervention projects that lead to an education in healthy and respectful relationships in the field of sexuality and affectivity are necessary. This would allow to prevent behaviours and situations at risk of abuse as well as social and emotional instability.

None Declared

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