SOCIETY AND SEXUALITY, an experience of support group in a psychiatric hospital

Abstract

Abstract Objective Describing our experience of a sexuality discussion group 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 are 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 relationship with sexual pleasure. The patients share their intimacy around emotional or sexual traumatic experiences. The themes highlight a sexuality under the narcissistic dominant, characteristic of narcissistic disorders/ borderline states or psychotic disorders. The group functions, as a therapeutic group providing psychological security. The physician-psychologist pair support the links between biology and psyche regarding sexuality. A direct exchange and analysis between the caregivers after every session supports us in the idea that this group on «Society and sexuality» is both a method of expanding knowledge for both, ourselves, and the patients, but also a method of treatment, because we witness transformations both at an individual level and during group psychic work. Conclusion A psycho educational and therapeutical speech group about society and sexuality in a psychiatric hospital opens discussions that are part of global patient care.