Psychiatrists' role in teaching human sexuality to other medical specialties

This article addresses the potential role for psychiatrists in teaching sexuality to other medical disciplines.

The authors searched PsycNet and PubMed/MEDLINE for pertinent articles and studies from the period between 1990 and 2009 using the terms human sexuality; teaching human sexuality; teaching methods; education and treatment in human sexuality; and medical practice. The senior author also drew on 20 years of experience teaching other medical specialists.

Although few studies exist, the authors identified areas in which a psychiatrist might have particular teaching skills to impart: taking a sexual history; patient and physician communication; the partner's role; effects of depression on sexual health; sexual trauma and abuse; physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities; sexual boundary issues; and working with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons.

Psychiatrists deal with complex emotional issues and are alert to subtle emotional cues. They gather detailed histories, screen thoroughly for psychopathology, and consider the importance of interpersonal relationships. These attributes are potentially valuable when psychiatrists assist other specialists in addressing patients' sexual health. Psychiatrists with additional training in sexuality may be particularly adept in educating colleagues from other specialties.