Psychiatrist Cites 'Gay Lib' Club Perils

Plain Dealer Special CINCINNATI Male

homosexual organizations may have worthwhile goals "such as humane and nondisriminatory treatment of the homosexual," but they often compound their members' loneliness and despair an Ohio psychiatrist suggested yesterday.

Dr. Robert J. McDevitt, director of psychiatry at Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, said "gay lib" groups further isolate and alienate the homosexual from "straight society."

In an address to the American Medical Association's clinical convention here, he offered suggestions for doctors dealing with such patients in their regular practice.

“THE AVERAGE physician may not see many homosexual patients, but his concerned and intelligent support can make a significant difference in helping them seek a more flexible adjustment to the straight society, and also maintain contact with it," he said.

Dr. McDevitt agreed with

other experts that it is hard to change the homosexual's behavior pattern. It may happen "only if the individual can be supported and encouraged to become more competent and assertive in all areas of his life.

"Sometimes this can be accomplished in the ear-

ly years, at least by a

supportive physician," hed overactive life produces said.

“ALTHOUGH MOST homosexuals long for and seek a stable and meaningful re-

lationship with another male, the life history of such relationships is shortlived and self-serving..

''

From the emotional standpoint, the frenzied and

chronic anxiety, restlessness and insomnia," Dr. McDevitt declared. "Acute jealousies and intense shortlived relationships cause severe depression and serious suicidal behavior."

The psychiatrist said he is tolerant of sexual behavior between consenting adults

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in private "and such behavior should not be prosecuted."

"In the social sphere, perhaps the potentially most damaging effect to result from the bonding together of homosexuals is the intensification of their struggle with straight society," he said.