Background: Although sexuality has implications for psychiatric services, there is little research about ,,psychiatric in-patient care and sexuality".
Method: Pertinent psychiatric literature published since 1970 was reviewed comprehensively. Recurring themes were identified, and were discussed in terms of historical trends and conceptual contradictions.
Results: Papers discussing sexuality and its relevance to psychiatric services can be summarised under three conceptual headings: (1) sexuality as taboo, (2) normalisation/empowerment, and (3) problematisation. The three clusters of papers focusing on these aspects were consecutive in time.
Discussion: During the 1970s and 1980s patients' equal rights to sexuality were weighed against moralistic concerns. Currently, patients' sexuality is discussed against the background of potentially negative consequences for the individual patient. A discussion is needed that encompasses this dilemma in order to find ways towards adequate practical handling of the issue of patients' sexuality in psychiatric services.