The sexual and relationship needs of people with psychosis — a neglected topic

Dardenne, P; McCann, Edward

doi:10.1080/02674659708408173

Cited by 5 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Institutional responses to sexual expression have been varied but generally sex and relationship needs are ignored (d’Ardenne & McCann 1997). Sociocultural barriers, particularly in institutions such as hospitals and hostels, need to be recognized.…”

Section: Policiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Psychosexual interventions are not usually offered and in light of the emergence of a younger group of people with quite different expectations around sex and relationship issues; this poses new challenges for mental health professionals. Many of these individuals are striving for a ‘normal’ life in the community (d’Ardenne & McCann 1997). Nevertheless, public perception of schizophrenia reveals widespread ignorance and prejudice (Rowlands 1995).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exploring sexual and relationship possibilities for people with psychosis – a review of the literature

McCann

2003

Psychiatric Ment Health Nurs

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This review examines the literature on sex and relationship issues in the context of serious and persistent mental health problems. It identifies gaps in the research and highlights key issues needing further investigation. The available published documents have been identified, which contain information, ideas, data and evidence on the topic. A critical analysis of the subject, through the examination of the various documents, is provided. The main themes that emerged included HIV/AIDS, medication and sexual dysfunction, sexuality needs, intimate relationships, family planning, policies and sex education. Several subthemes are discussed and include needs assessment, stigma and loneliness. The key findings highlight the lack of systematic studies in the UK, especially regarding the subjective views of patients in determining need and the subsequent development of appropriate plans of care. The author argues that future mental health research needs to go beyond investigating perceived 'risky' behaviours and should include potential therapeutic responses in all areas of sexuality. Further recommendations are made in terms of nurse education particularly the inclusion of psychosexual aspects in future pre- and postregistration curricula. This paper may be of interest to service users, mental health practitioners working alongside people with serious and persistent mental health problems as well as educators, researchers and policy makers.

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Section: Policiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring sexual and relationship possibilities for people with psychosis – a review of the literature

McCann

2003

Psychiatric Ment Health Nurs

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“…The emergence of a younger group with quite different expectations around sex and relationship issues poses new challenges for mental health professionals. Many of these individuals are striving for a ‘normal’ life in the community ( d’Ardenne & McCann 1997).…”

Section: Introduction and Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The wide range of problems apparent in practice settings may include: very limited social access and social skills; poor self‐image and confidence; limited self‐care; poverty and its links with prostitution and exploitation; sexual abuse in childhood and adulthood; the sexual content of positive symptoms; sexual disinhibition and the risk to self and colleagues; the adverse effects of psychotropic medications on libido; the secondary effects of medication, including disabling extrapyramidal signs; the results of institutionalization and stigmatization; hospital policies and the expression of sexual need in institutional settings; education and consent; safe sex and contraception; and homelessness ( Birley & Hudson 1991, Rowlands 1995, Attenborough & Watson 1997, Coverdale et al . 1997 , d’Ardenne & McCann 1997).…”

Section: Introduction and Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The expression of sexuality in people with psychosis: breaking the taboos

McCann

2000

Journal of Advanced Nursing

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While mental health professionals should recognize that people suffering from schizophrenia have sexual and relationship requirements, there appears to be a failure to address adequately the subject of human sexuality, particularly in the area of psychosocial rehabilitation. The broad aim of this small study was to identify the sexual and relationship needs of people being cared for in hospital and preparing for a return to community living. The objectives of the study were to discover the clients' sexual expressions in the past and present, and to try to elicit hopes and aspirations for the future. An attempt was made to uncover some of the obstacles to the expression of sexuality and explore some of the clients' subjective experiences of the issues. The number of respondents was 11 from a possible 15. Data were collected through: a questionnaire on demographic characteristics; an adapted version of a questionnaire investigating the determinant factors of sexual behaviour through life; and a semi-structured interview devised to elicit subjective experiences regarding sexual expression. The findings show that people with psychotic illness are prepared to discuss issues relating to sex and relationship matters. No interviews had to be prematurely terminated. No exacerbations of symptoms were noted. All of the respondents showed an openness to discuss a range of intimate feelings. Most respondents seemed hopeful about the opportunity to form intimate and fulfilling relationships in the future. A drive towards more rigorous holistic nursing assessments and appropriate psychosocial responses is proposed.

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“…2001). Unfortunately, it is well documented that those with mental health problems often have little attention paid to sexual and relationship needs (Bhui & Puffet 1994; D’Ardenne & McCann 1997). Webb (1988) noted that although there had been an increase in the literature regarding sexuality being an integral part of health care, attitudes and practices remain largely unchanged.…”

Section: Dealing With Sexual Health Sexual Illnessmentioning

confidence: 99%

The shackles of abuse: unprepared to work at the edges of reason

Warne

McAndrew

2005

Psychiatric Ment Health Nurs

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The shackles of abuse: unprepared to work at the edges of reason Childhood sexual abuse is an international public health problem. Research suggests similar prevalence rates in both Western and non-Western societies. The long-term consequences of child sexual abuse include wide ranging mental health problems in adult life. Psychiatric services and, in particular, counselling has been highlighted as being the most helpful to those who have experienced child sex abuse. This evidence base should be informing mental health nursing education and practice. However, we argue there is a divergence between the discourse of evidence-based theory and practice reality. The aim of this paper is to explore the preparedness of mental health nurses to work with adults who have experienced sexual abuse during their childhood. It is the first part of a three-part research project and reviews the literature relating to how (and if) mental health nurses are prepared to work with those who have sexual abuse histories. An important issue considered in this review is the impact upon patient/nurse relationships as a consequence of the nurse themselves being survivors of sexual abuse. We argue that a number of conflicting discourses need to be addressed, if mental health nurses are to be appropriately prepared to offer cogent, sensitive care to those in their care who are shackled to their past sexual abuse through the confines of their current mental illness.

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The sexual and relationship needs of people with psychosis — a neglected topic

Cited by 5 publications

References 10 publications

Exploring sexual and relationship possibilities for people with psychosis – a review of the literature

Exploring sexual and relationship possibilities for people with psychosis – a review of the literature

The expression of sexuality in people with psychosis: breaking the taboos

The shackles of abuse: unprepared to work at the edges of reason

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