The Neurobiology of Sexual Orientation - Total Medical Evidence Presentation
Jerome Goldstein, Md (San Francisco Clinical Research Center)
Dr. Jerome Goldstein is a board certified neurologist, fellow in the American Academy of Neurology, and Director of the San Francisco Clinical Research Center, San Francisco Headache Clinic and San Francisco Alzheimer’s and Dementia Clinic. He was associated with UCSF as assistant clinical professor of neurology from 1970 through 2006. Dr. Goldstein was instrumental in the recognition of headache and Alzheimer's Disease as neurological disorders rather than psychiatric disorders. With the recognition of headache and Alzheimer's Disease as having a neurobiological basis, he has expanded his interest in neurobiology to sexual orientation.
Presentation Files
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Session »
OS1P2 » Teaching and Learning
| Type: |
Oral |
Time: |
11:30 - Monday, 4th April |
Venue: |
Classroom 2 |
Authors
Jerome Goldstein, Md (San Francisco Clinical Research Center)
Abstract
Homosexuality is a constantly debated issue as to whether it is determined at birth or a choice (nature vs. nurture). The works of the Kinsey Reports and Dr. Evelyn Hooker published in the 1950s resulted in the removal of... [ view full abstract ]
Homosexuality is a constantly debated issue as to whether it is determined at birth or a choice (nature vs. nurture). The works of the Kinsey Reports and Dr. Evelyn Hooker published in the 1950s resulted in the removal of homosexuality from the DSM4 in 1973. Since then, it has been mentioned as an illness only in the context of being a putative exacerbating factor in anxiety states. Recent studies reveal a clear cut neurobiology to sexual orientation.
Neurobiologist Simon LeVay conducted a study of brain tissue samples from 41 human autopsies performed at several hospitals in New York and California. He found a significant size difference of the interstitial nuclei of the anterior hypothalamus between homosexual and heterosexual men.
In addition, Dr. Ivanka Savic-Berglund and Dr. Per Lindström of the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, performed fMRI and PET measurements of cerebral blood flow. Using volumetric studies, they found significant cerebral size differences between homosexual and heterosexual subjects; the brains of homosexual men resembled heterosexual women and homosexual women resembled heterosexual men. Extensive controls were performed during testing to exclude analytical variability.
A totally evidence-based medicine presentation will provide current data regarding homosexuality showing differences, or similarities, between the brains of homosexuals and heterosexuals to confirm that sexual orientation is neurobiologic at birth. Scientists and physicians with a keen understanding of the human brain must continue to bring data showing differences- or similarities- between the brains of all sexual orientations- heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual and transgender- to light. Having a good understanding of the natural evolution of sexual orientation is critically important to appropriate and supportive health care and a mature attitude of health care providers in an effort to minimize self blame from parents and to contribute to better patient-care within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
