May 22 2008
In Search of a Definition for Normal Sex
How many psychiatrists does it take to define normal sex?
We may never find out.
The American Psychiatric Association announced recently that a group of people in the profession will be working on a new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) manual.
But they are having a hard time.
The Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders part of the manual has to define what is and what is not a disordered behavior when it comes to sex, perception of sexuality and gender.
This of course is controversial.
After all, in the first DSM, homosexuality was defined as a mental disorder. Masturbation was considered abnormal.
These days, both of the above behaviors are considered normal in most parts of our society.
