PSYCHOSEXUAL PROBLEMS IN THE CONTRACEPTIVE CONSULTATION – FURTHER TREATMENT OR REFERRAL? (DOCTOR CONSULTATION)
There are the constraints provided by the doctor. The doctor may feel unable to give help because of an awareness of lack of aptitude or skill. Or doctors may find that personal feelings are interfering with the proper objective management of the problems, particularly if similar problems have been experienced personally or to someone emotionally close to them. For example, it may be too distressing to cope with a patient complaining of lack of libido after a miscarriage of a wanted baby if the doctor or the doctor’s wife has recently suffered the same misfortune. It may be impossible to deal with a patient giving a history of sexual abuse if the doctor finds that personal memories and distress are re-awakened. Sometimes social contacts may also make it necessary for doctors to distance themselves from the problem. It is not a good idea, for instance, to take on one’s colleagues for therapy, however much they may want to keep it ‘in the family’. Friends and acquaintances are not well served by agreement to help them informally – a referral to a colleague where a proper patient/therapist relationship can maintain professional standards is in everybody’s best interest.
*319/197/1*
