Sexual functioning is often overlooked in the care of individuals with severe mental illness (SMI), despite its relevance to overall well-being. SMIs, including conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are marked by chronic symptoms that impair cognitive and interpersonal skills. Mental health professionals tend to prioritize symptom management, often neglecting the sexual health of these individuals. Additionally, the stigma associated with mental illness complicates the ability to form and maintain romantic relationships, further marginalizing their sexual needs. As a result, sexual concerns are frequently disregarded in both treatment plans and recovery models for those with severe mental illness. This study seeks to explore and highlight the perceptions, attitudes, and experiences related to sexuality among people living with severe mental illness. The exploratory nature of the study used qualitative analysis, so that a wide range of data could be gathered on a sensitive topic. Our aim was to generate a theory that explains the experience of sexuality of people with SMI from multiple perspectives. This study explores the sense of self, sexuality, intimacy, and experiences of abuse among individuals with severe mental illness. It is an attempt to understand how sexuality is being shaped through symbolic interactions within the context of that individual in the society. The results of the study indicate that both and female clients did not have a safe space amongst their caregivers or professionals to have dialogues regarding their sexuality. Clients also reported they had very little say in choosing their partner in marriage and often faced rejection due to their illness. Sexual abuse was also reported by a large number of clients (50%).

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Perceptions, Attitudes, and Experiences Toward the Sexuality of People with Severe Mental Illness

  • Lata Hemchand,
  • S. Kalyanasundaram,
  • Arundhati Chaudhuri

摘要

Sexual functioning is often overlooked in the care of individuals with severe mental illness (SMI), despite its relevance to overall well-being. SMIs, including conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are marked by chronic symptoms that impair cognitive and interpersonal skills. Mental health professionals tend to prioritize symptom management, often neglecting the sexual health of these individuals. Additionally, the stigma associated with mental illness complicates the ability to form and maintain romantic relationships, further marginalizing their sexual needs. As a result, sexual concerns are frequently disregarded in both treatment plans and recovery models for those with severe mental illness. This study seeks to explore and highlight the perceptions, attitudes, and experiences related to sexuality among people living with severe mental illness. The exploratory nature of the study used qualitative analysis, so that a wide range of data could be gathered on a sensitive topic. Our aim was to generate a theory that explains the experience of sexuality of people with SMI from multiple perspectives. This study explores the sense of self, sexuality, intimacy, and experiences of abuse among individuals with severe mental illness. It is an attempt to understand how sexuality is being shaped through symbolic interactions within the context of that individual in the society. The results of the study indicate that both and female clients did not have a safe space amongst their caregivers or professionals to have dialogues regarding their sexuality. Clients also reported they had very little say in choosing their partner in marriage and often faced rejection due to their illness. Sexual abuse was also reported by a large number of clients (50%).