Psychiatric Disorders and Symptoms Associated With Sexual Risk Behavior

Sexual desire and behavior are normal aspects in the lives of most adolescents and adults, including those with chronic and persistent mental illness. It is important for primary care providers to address the mental health needs of their patients, with appropriated diagnosis and referral for treatment, and for all health care providers to address the sexual lives of their patients without shame, embarrassment or judgment. People who are vulnerable to engaging in risky sex behaviors can benefit from targeted counseling that increases risk perception, motivation for change, the acquisition of protective behavioral skills, and self-efficacy for enacting and maintaining healthy behaviors. Referrals for mental health supportive services are often necessary. Providers can play an important role in empowering their patients to reduce behaviors that carry with them significant risk for HIV and other STDs and to normalize the pursuit of satisfying and healthy sexual gratification.

Dr. Remien is a research scientist at New York State Psychiatric Institute, associate professor of clinical psychology (in psychiatry) at Columbia University and a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in New York. Dr. Remien is supported in part by the National Institute of Mental Health to the HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University (P50-MH43520; center principal investigator: Anke A. Ehrhardt, Ph.D.).

Dr. Johnson is assistant professor of clinical psychology in the department of psychiatry at Columbia University and a research scientist at New York State Psychiatric Institute.

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