So-called "conversion therapy" or "conversion practice" can greatly raise the odds that an LGBT person experiences mental health issues, new research finds. Photo by Adobe Stock/HealthDay News Besides being useless in altering a person’s sexuality or gender identity, so-called "conversion therapy" or "conversion practice" can greatly raise the odds that an LGBT person experiences mental health issues, new research finds.
Questionnaires completed by over 4,400 LGBTQ+ Americans found that having undergone these bogus interventions was linked to higher rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal thoughts or attempts.
"Our findings add to a body of evidence that shows conversion practice is unethical and linked with poor mental health," said study lead author Dr. Nguyen Tran , of Stanford University School of Medicine.
"Protecting LGBTQ+ people from the impacts of these harmful practices will require multi-pronged legislation, including state and federal bans," Tran added. "Additional measures such as support networks and targeted mental health support for survivors are also vital." Related
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The findings were published Monday in The Lancet Psychiatry journal.
Conversion therapy is any kind of formal, structured effort to alter a person’s sexuality or gender identification, often employing psychological, behavioral, physical and faith-based practices.Most respected professional medical and mental health organizations are opposed to the practice, although it’s still offered at sites throughout the United States.Anywhere from 4% to 34% of LGBTQ+ American children and adults may have been subjected to conversion practices, according to a Lancet news release.The data used in the new study came from the ongoing PRIDE study, which has been tracking the health of LGBTQ+ people across America. About 57% identified as cisgender and 43% identified as transgender. Ages ranged from 18 to 34, with the average age being 31.In total, 149 (3.4%) of those questioned had experienced conversion therapy focused on altering their sexual orientation, 43 (1%) had undergone practices targeting gender identity, and 42 (1%) reported both, the researchers reported.Risk factors for having undergone […]
‘Conversion therapy’ increases risk of mental illness in LGBT people
