Society and Sexuality, An Experience of Support Group in a Psychiatric Hospital

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Describing our experience of a discussion group on sexuality for psychiatric inpatients. Method: Alternating women, men and mixed sessions, to present the anatomy, the sexual physiology and open up a debate around psychosexuality and society. Results: The women's group themes highlight the link between the sexuality and the female status in society. The men’s group themes concern the functional disorders around sexuality and the side effects of psychotropic drugs. The mixed group shows interest in informing the other gender of their needs and expectations. The mixed group also aims to receive non-binary patients. Discussion: We see heterogeneity in the groups, gender differences and complementarity between men and women in the way they evoke their sexual and emotional life, and their relationship with sexual pleasure. The patients share their intimacy around emotional or sexual traumatic experiences. The themes highlight a sexuality under predominantly narcissistic traits, characteristic of narcissistic disorders/ borderline states or psychotic disorders. The group functions, as a therapeutic group providing psychological security. The physician-psychologist pair supports the links between biology and psyche regarding sexuality. A direct exchange and analysis between the caregivers after every session supports the idea that this group on «Society and sexuality» is not only a method of expanding knowledge for both, ourselves, and the patients, but also a method of treatment, because we witness transformations on an individual level and on a group psychic work level. Conclusion: A psycho educational and therapeutical speech group about society and sexuality in a psychiatric hospital generates dialogue that is part of global patient care.