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British psychiatry and homosexuality

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Michael King  and
Annie Bartlett
Michael King*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London
Annie Bartlett
Affiliation:
Section of Forensic Psychiatry, St George's Hospital Medical School, London
*
Professor Michael King, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF
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Abstract

Background

Opposition to homosexuality in Europe reached a crescendo in the 19th century. What had earlier been regarded as a vice evolved as a perversion or psychological illness. Official reviews of homosexuality as both an illness and (for men) a crime led to discrimination, inhumane treatments and shame, guilt and fear for gay men and lesbians. Only recently has homosexuality been removed from all international diagnostic glossaries.

Aims

To review how British psychiatry has regarded homosexuality over the past century.

Method

Review of key publications on homosexuality in British psychiatry.

Results

The literature on homosexuality reflects evolving theories on sexuality over the past century. The assumptions in psychoanalysis and the behavioural sciences that sexuality could be altered led to unscientific theory and practice.

Conclusions

Mental health professionals in Britain should be aware of the mistakes of the past. Only in that way can we prevent future excesses and heal the gulf between gay and lesbian patients and their psychiatrists.

Type
Review Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 175 , Issue 2 , August 1999 , pp. 106 - 113
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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