About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER

Psychologists Reject Sexual Reorientation Treatment for Homosexuals

by VR Sreeraman on August 7, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Font : A-A+

Psychologists Reject Sexual Reorientation Treatment for Homosexuals

US psychologists are slamming therapies treating homosexuality as an illness, and warning mental health workers against promising patients their sexual orientations might be changed.

The 150,000-member American Psychological Association said in a report, released at its convention in Toronto, that mental health professionals "should avoid telling clients that they can change their sexual orientation through therapy or other treatments."


The convention was looking at reports including one on the efficacy of so-called "reparative therapy," or sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE). It reviewed the results of 83 studies carried out between 1960 and 2007 on the controversial concept, which appeals particularly to some religious conservative patients uncomfortable with their homosexuality.

"Contrary to claims of sexual orientation change advocates and practitioners, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of psychological interventions to change sexual orientation," cautioned Judith Glassgold, who spearheaded the work.

Over the years, aversion therapies with "behavior therapists ... (included) a variety of aversion treatments, such as inducing nausea, vomiting or paralysis; providing electric shocks, or having the individual snap an elastic band around the wrist when the individual became aroused to same-sex erotic images or thoughts," the report noted.

Other examples of aversive behavioral treatments included shame aversion, in which the patient is publicly humiliated in an attempt to stamp out the behavior, and systematic desensitization, a method used to overcome phobias and anxiety disorders.

"Scientifically rigorous older studies in this area found that sexual orientation was unlikely to change due to efforts designed for this purpose. Contrary to the claims of SOCE practitioners and advocates, recent research studies do not provide evidence of sexual orientation change as the research methods are inadequate to determine the effectiveness of these interventions," the APA statement said.

The therapies were described as inhumane as early as the 1970s -- but they have not gone away.

And their side effects could include suicidal ideation, depression, impotence, relationship dysfunction, and high school dropout rates, the APA said.

"From our survey of recent publications and research, most SOCE currently seem directed to those holding conservative religious and political beliefs," the APA concluded.

Source: AFP
LIN

Recommended Reading

Latest Mental Health News

Can the Heat Scorch Your Mental Health?
Hospitals have reported an increase in mental illnesses with the scorching temperatures this summer.
Hidden in Plain Sight: The Unseen Battle of Adolescent Depression in Canada
Undetected and untreated adolescent depression in Canada calls for improved care.
From Storm to Serenity: How to Transform Workplace Conflicts into Opportunities?
Within every workplace, conflicts are inevitable occurrences that can stem from diverse reasons and requires better measures to be settled.
The Unseen Effects of Childhood Physical Abuse: Psychologically Flourishing in Adulthood
People who have experienced physical abuse in their childhood move on to achieve increased levels of life satisfaction and psychological well-being.
Link Between Early Bipolar Diagnosis and Lower Suicide Rates Identified
The link between an increased number of population-adjusted bipolar diagnoses and reduced suicide rates among boys identified.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close

Sexual Problem

Consult an Expert

×

Psychologists Reject Sexual Reorientation Treatment for Homosexuals Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests