Sexualidade e saúde mental: Construindo sentidos com pessoas usuárias de um CAPS

Abstract

Sexuality and mental health: Constructing meanings among CAPS users. The sexual health of people with severe and/or persistent mental disorders has not been shown a thematic of great investment of the health professionals in Brazil, and rare are the studies done with this population. The aim of this study was to understand the meanings about sexuality of people using mental health services negotiated in sexuality workshops. There were 10 workshops about sexuality, with 43 CAPS users. Data collection was done through audio recording of the workshops and, later, their transcription, careful reading and analysis through categories. A variety of meanings about sexuality could be noted, related to: senses about sexuality; Gender issues; Information, STI/AIDS prevention and rights; and medication and sexuality control in CAPS. The research highlights the need to discuss sexuality in mental health services, in order to understand, discuss and inform the users.