Were psychology and psychiatry built on hate?

Dr Jess talks about sexism, homophobia, and racism in psychiatry and psychology

Psychiatry has long been regarded as a medical science, one that is supposed to diagnose and treat mental health issues objectively.

But if we take a closer look at its history, it becomes clear that psychiatry (and psychology) has often reflected the prejudices of society rather than objective science. In particular, sexism, homophobia, and racism have been deeply embedded in psychiatric practice, and this continues to shape the treatment of marginalised groups today.

Throughout history, psychiatry has been used as a tool to control and oppress those who don’t fit into the norms established by those in power. Women, people of colour, and the LGBTQ+ community have been disproportionately pathologised, their identities, feelings, experiences and behaviours medicalised as "disorders" to be corrected. I’ve encountered countless women who have been affected by this in one form or another, and it’s time to expose the harmful impact of these biases.

The Pathologisation of Women

Sexism in psychiatry is perhaps the most pervasive. Women have long been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders simply for not conforming to societal expectations. If a woman was too emotional, too ambitious, or simply did not behave in the ways men expected, she was labelled as mentally ill. Historically, this ranged from the "hysteria" diagnoses in the 19th century to today’s ‘mood disorders’, which we are told ‘disproportionately affect women’. Because women are moody and emotional, right?

I’ve seen how women’s valid emotional responses to trauma or stress are often reframed as symptoms of mental illness. If we express anger, fear, or grief, we are frequently told that there’s something wrong with us, rather than having our experiences validated. This isn’t just about individual cases—it’s a systemic issue. Psychiatry has been a tool to reinforce gender roles, keeping women in their place and punishing those of us who dare to step outside societal expectations.

Homophobia and the Medicalisation of Sexuality

The pathologisation of non-conforming sexualities is another dark chapter in psychiatry’s history.