QuoteSo why is homosexual behavior no longer listed in the manual of mental disorders? Did new scientific information come along to compel psychiatrists to de-list homosexuality? No. Did some new biological or genetic discovery come along which led psychologists to de-list homosexuality? No. Did compelling new clinical research come to light to motivate psychiatrists to de-list homosexuality? No. But political pressure did
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Not that it will make a jot of difference to the writer, but to say any trait or behaviour is evidence of mental illness, it needs to be demonstrated that the behaviour is problematic for the individual.
That in itself, needs to be qualified. Homosexuality may be problematic for a homosexual, in that they may find themselves socially isolated. However, that does not mean homosexuality is a mental illness any more than a flag waving all American patriot, in the middle of Moscow or Tehran might find themselves socially isolated.
The necessity is to demonstrate, using clinical principals, that a set of conditions and traits are indicative of mental illness. Not the other way around.
So, to respond to the questions, Did new Scientific information emerge? No, because there was never any old scientific information. Did some biological or genetic discovery emerge? No, (at least, not in 1973), because there never was any old biological or genetic information. Did compelling new research come to light? Yes.
