Dear Dr. E.,
What is your opinion of the statement, "Homosexuality is no longer
to be considered an illness but rather a normal human condition?"
Dan R.
via e-mail
Dear Dan,
The mental health profession's "official" view of
homosexuality--codified in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
the American Psychiatric Association)--has changed over the years. It
used to be considered an aberration, but in 1973, homosexuality,
willingly practiced, was removed from the list of mental
illnesses.
Biologists have discovered that homosexual behavior occurs at a low
rate in virtually all mammalian species, and anthropologists have found
that it occurs at a low rate in perhaps all human cultures. So you could
say that homosexuality is a "normal human condition." But since the Bible
strictly forbids it, many people are bound to view it as deviant or evil.
And since the Bible isn't likely to be rewritten any time soon,
homosexuality will probably always be a difficult lifestyle.
Dear Dr. E.,
I've always been shy, and now that I'm in the working world, it's
becoming a problem. I don't have the confidence to voice my opinions in
meetings or groups. I'm worried about what people will say and that my
thoughts won't come out right. How can I overcome this problem?
MiRJael Anaheim Hills, California
Dear Michael,
You're not alone. Shyness researcher Bernardo Carducci estimates
that nearly half of all Americans are shy, and shyness appears to be on
the rise. Shy people tend to achieve just as much as outgoing people,
however, so you may not be losing out as much as you think. You may not
have said much at that meeting last week, for example, but you're also
not the one who lost a chance at promotion by blurting out something
stupid. The best strategy for overcoming shyness in meetings (and in
general) is to plan ahead: Think about and even write down what you're
going to say in the meeting well before you get there. Then, when the
moment is right, make your brilliant remark. Various counselors and
coaches can help you learn a variety of such coping skills.
Dear Dr. E.,
Can people actually change their own behavior?
Shayla
Bradenton, Florida
Dear Shayla,
You bet! The master behaviorist B.F. Skinner used his techniques of
behavior modification to boost his own productivity, happiness and
creativity. There are dozens of "self-management" techniques, most of
which fit into three categories, which I call the "Three M's." 1) Modify
Your Environment: Change the stimuli around you. If you want to slim
down, for example, hang up photos of thin people. Throw away the candy.
2) Monitor Your Behavior: Keep records. Make a weight chart. Throw a
penny in a jar every time you resist dessert. 3) Make Commitments: Set up
consequences for your behavior. Arrange to exercise with a friend. Take
an oath in front of a group. I practice techniques like this every day,
and I've taught my children to do it, as well. It's easy, and it puts you
in charge of you.
Dear Dr. E.,
I'm 20 years old, and a bipolar patient. I recently read a book by
a psychiatrist that mentions the bad long-term effects of the drugs I'm
taking--mood stabilizers, an antidepressant and an anti-anxiety
medication. This has gotten me kind of scared. Why don't psychiatrists
tell their patients about the risks of taking medications for a long
time?
Dan M.
Chicago, Illinois
Dear Dan,
The real problem here is lack of information. It's virtually
impossible to conduct controlled studies that look at the combined
effects ("interactions") of multiple medications, and many medications
haven't been around long enough to show long-term effects. Given that so
little is known about interactions and long-term effects, psychiatrists
are probably writing more prescriptions than they should. We tend to go
for the quick fix in this culture, and that can mean risk. Keep reading,
and if you're not happy with your physician, find a better one!
Please send your question to psychtoday@juno.com, or call our
24-hour hotline: (877) PSYCH-TODAY. Questions may be aired on PT's
nationally syndicated radio program. PSYCHOLOGY TODAY reserves the right
to edit all submitted material.
Robert Epstein is editor-in-chief of PSYCHOLOGY TODAY and host of
PT's nationally syndicated radio show.
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