2005 suplement 1

Back

Volume 14, suplement 1

Case report

Psychotherapy of a patient with homosexual tendencies treated for anxiety disorder

LILIANNA ENGEL1
1. II Kliniki Psychiatrycznej AM w Łodzi
Postępy Psychiatrii i Neurologii 2005; 14 (supl. 1/20): 131-106
Keywords: psychotherapy, homosexuality, anxiety

Abstract

Objective. Biological factors are usually considered as the cause of homosexuality, with social, cultural, and psychological, (also familial) determinants coming next. An analysis of factors determining homosexual tendencies in a young male patient was conducted, with an emphasis on the role of his anxiety symptoms.

Case. A young male patient with anxiety disorder who disclosed his homosexual tendencies after being admitted to therapy.

Commentary. A significant role ofparental attitudes, especially these of the father, in the development of the patient's homosexual tendencies was stressed. His homosexual behaviours were associated with gratification of his needs, not only sexual ones. Anxiety disorder protected him against realization of the homosexual tendencies. The patient's young age and his developmental stage suggest that the process of shaping his sexual orientation has not been completed yet.

Address for correspondence:
Mgr Lilianna Engel, Klinika Nerwic Instytutu Psychiatrii i Neurologii, ul. Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warszawa, tel. 4582809, e-mail: l.engel@wp.pl