The controversial practice of conversion therapy, which aims to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, is still prevalent in several U.S. states despite being scientifically discredited. A recent study found that LGBTQ+ individuals who undergo this practice are more likely to experience poor mental health compared to those who have not.
The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, analyzed data from the PRIDE study, which collects health information from LGBTQ+ adults. Of the 4,426 participants, 149 had undergone conversion therapy targeting sexual orientation, 43 had experienced practices aimed at changing gender identity, and 42 reported undergoing both. The research is the first to compare the effects of sexual orientation-based conversion therapy versus gender identity-based methods.
Regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, individuals who underwent conversion therapy had an increased risk of depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts or attempts. Surprisingly, cisgender individuals who underwent both types of conversion practices had higher rates of suicidal thoughts or attempts than transgender participants, though the reason for this difference remains unclear.
Studies have shown that between 4% and 34% of LGBTQ+ individuals in the U.S. have experienced conversion therapy at some point in their lives. This practice, which dates back to the 19th century, has been strongly opposed by medical organizations like the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. These organizations argue that conversion therapy is ineffective and dangerous, with no scientific evidence to support its efficacy.
While conversion therapy is not federally illegal, 23 states and D.C. have full bans on the practice for minors, and five states and Puerto Rico have partial bans that restrict the use of state funds for conversion therapy. The Lancet study found that conversion therapy was more common among transgender individuals, those experiencing homelessness, individuals with religious backgrounds, and those raised in communities that were not accepting of their gender identity.
According to research from the Trevor Project, there are approximately 1,320 conversion therapy practitioners in 48 states and D.C., with Pennsylvania, Texas, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio having the highest number of identified practitioners. These practitioners, who are often religious leaders or mental health providers, continue to perpetuate this harmful practice despite its detrimental effects on the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals.
