Is homosexuality a form of mental illness?

Question

If sceince is able to identify an area of the brain that is stimulated by homosexual behaviors, logically, that would show a abnormal brain function. I do not believe, and I would rather not have any answers that would judge anothers behavior as right or wrong. Just like I would not pass judgement on a man that has bipolar disorder, I do not think we have the right to tell other people how to live their lives. However, I do believe that many behaviors including homosexuality is a form of mental illness or mental abnormality.

Answer 1

Hey there,

The APA does not consider homosexuality a disorder any more. Although in the DSM III (Diagnostic Statistical Manual) does. It changed in the DSM VI.

Perhaps a biblical counselor may believe that it is a disorder and treat a client accordingly (as from the bible) But, as a Licensed counselor we can get censured for ethical violations and could lose our license if it was found out that we treated homosexuality as a disorder.

Science rules out in this case, in that the science field has found evidence that most people are born this way and it should not be treated as a disease.

I also recognize that it is a choice for some, although I have not really met anyone that would "choose" something like this to get attention from society. On the otherhand, I have had to deal with clients with intense suicidal ideation because society has put their agenda on them.

I think your question is a valid one, and knowledge is power, for sure...

Answer 2

First, homosexual behavior is not really abnormal. If you watch various animals over time, you would realize this. One example is tomcats will rape a younger tom to show who is boss. Dogs will sniff and lick their own and other dogs genital areas, male to male. (Not sure about female to female.) At one time homosexuality was considered a mental illness. Now it is commonly believed in the psychological community that all people have some degree of both heterosexual and homosexual feelings - kind of like on a sliding scale. Most also believe that sexual orientation is not a choice. (sexual behavior is, however).

1 out of 10 people are left handed, a seeming abnormality compared to the rest of the population. Would you say they are mentally abnormal? Basically, as far as science is concerned, it is the same kind of thing.

My personal feeling is whatever behavior 2 consenting adults (meaning psychologically and mentally adults) engage in that do no harm to anyone else, it is none of my business what they do or how they do it. I realize many people disagree. I agree to disagree and let others believe what they want to, and hope others do the same with me.

Answer 3

no it is no illness, its a totally natural behavior, and is also seen in wild animals (mental illnesses are a unique human characteristic). we consider heterosexuals as normal because they occur in more abundance than the homosexuals, but that is no way to characterize normal from abnormal (but sadly that is how our societies work). Just because we don’t like something doesn’t mean that it is wrong or is an illness. Its just a totally natural behavior occurring in lower frequency.

Answer 4

No, it's not a mental illness. It's the same as the kind of differences that make one person artistic and the next person athletic. Neither is wrong, just different variations on the human condition.
If you had a kid who was great at arts but lousy at sports, and you knew that this was because his brain was wired that way, would you try to force him to change into an athlete just because some moron in the psychiatric field told you that you could?

Answer 5

thats crazy, its not a mental illness, its like saying that since science can identify the part of the brain that is stimulated by a great piano player when they are playing, then all people who cannot play the piano have mental illness or abnormalities, since their brains do not get stimulated or work the same as a one who can play the piano.
by labeling it as a mental illness your are passing judgment, because you are saying that something is not right. by the way i am not gay either, i am heterosexual and i can just deal with people different than myself.

Answer 6

You are entitled to your belief, and yes homosexuality has been classified as a mental illness but also has been removed from the DSM. Have you had contact with someone who is homosexual. they are not mentally ill they are just different. Science CAN show were mental illness comes from. reguardless it does not matter we should love each individual as who they are for all their falts/choices/illnesses.

Answer 7

It is not a mental disorder although the fear of it is. It may be genetic or a social reaction, but what does it matter. Leave the subject alone. No one pesters heterosexuals about their preferences and some of them are even more prohibited by the Holy Scriptures.

Answer 8

Nope, homosexuality is normal all throughout the animal kingdom. If it were a mental illness you wouldn't get animals including sheep, swans, deep, flamingos and chimps having long term homosexual relationships.

read this article for more details.

http://www.salon.com/it/feature/1999/03/cov_15featurea.html

Answer 9

I feel that mental illness is when your mind has a certain missing element that you have NO control over. I think homosexuality is a learned behavior. I have never seen a baby come out of the womb with a rainbow flag.

Answer 10

The scientific and medical communities are still investingating as though it's a possibility. Since they have not found a definitive answer, the question remains. However, I think the very fact that it's being investigated is insulting to those who are. I know I would be pi**ed.