Running Head: Homosexuality
Homosexuality: Mental Illness or a way of life?
florence
Ryerson University
500424061
7/19/2010
Homosexuality: Mental illness or a way of life?
Homosexuality in today's society is defined as a sexual attraction between persons of the same sex. In the past it has been argued that this state of mind is in fact a mental illness, having a place amongst other mental disorders listed throughout the DSM editions. In my opinion it is a way of life that does not disrupt a person`s daily functioning, unless environmental factors affect the person through persecution causing mental distress.
* Community needs to accept homosexuality to reduce mental distress
* DSM II (1968) section 302.0 Homosexuality DSM III (1980) section 302
References:
1) The diagnostic status of homosexuality in DSM-III: a reformulation of the issues
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/138/2/210
2) Index of Psychiatric Disorders
http://allpsych.com/disorders/disorders_alpha.html
3) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disordershttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnostic_and_Statistical_Manual_of_Mental_Disorders#DSM-III_.281980.29
4) DSM II
http://www.psychiatryonline.com/DSMPDF/dsm-ii.pdf
5) Google search page: Homosexuality is a choice
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=homosexuality+is+a+choice&rlz=1R2ADRA_enCA389&aq=0&aqi=g10&aql=&oq=homosexuality+is+a+&gs_rfai=
6) Definition of Homosexuality
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3781
7) Dictionary.com search Homosexuality
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/homosexuality
8) G,L,B and T Individuals (ebook)
http://www.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/hrsa/mh/gaybestpract.pdf