Causes and risk factors
Exact cause of egodystonic sexual orientation is not known. Accompanying psychological and behavioral disorder give rise to egodystonic sexual orientation in a person who is aware about the gender identity and sexual preferences, but still wishes it were different and seeks treatment for the same. Heredity, environment, past events in one’s life, neurotransmitter imbalance in the brain can be possible causes. Risk factors for egodystonic sexual orientation are young adults under the age of 30, female gender, history of mental illness in the family, past history of mental disorder, excessive mental stress, escape from loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
Clinical presentation
Patient has severe anxiety. He has desire to change his sexual preference or repress them. Egodystonic sexual orientation causes severe psychological effects and problems in family and interpersonal relationships leading to separation and divorce. Patients are at a higher risk of developing STDs.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the psychiatrist or psychotherapist helps in diagnosis. A person is diagnosed with egodystonic sexual disorder when the gender identity or sexual preference is clear, but the individual wishes it were different because of associated psychological and behavioral disorders and may seek treatment in order to change it.
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at helping in changing one’s abnormal sexual orientation or helping the person to become comfortable with their present behavior. Treatment of egodystonic sexual orientation disorder includes change of sexual orientation and treatment to reduce stress and anxiety due to it. It involves behavioral technique, cognitive behavioral techniques, and psychoanalytical techniques. Treatment involves psychotherapy. Medications such as antidepressants, antianxiety or antipsychotic drugs will also help in managing egodystonic sexual orientation. Various support groups help to reduce fear, anxiety, and face social pressure. Spiritual and religious approaches are also effective in treatment of egodystonic sexual orientation.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating egodystonic sexual orientation. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates is also found to be effective in treating egodystonic sexual orientation.
