British Therapists Report Attempts to Turn Gay Patients Straight

New findings in the
journal

BMC Psychiatry

reveal that one sixth of British therapists have used methods
intended to alter the sexual inclinations of
their gay patients. Seventeen percent of therapists
and psychiatrists surveyed said they had used subtle strategies
to help their patients control, and eventually change, their
sexual orientation.

The survey's lead
author cautioned against the use of such tactics in an
interview with Reuters.

"There is very
little evidence to show that attempting to treat a person's
homosexual feelings is effective and in fact it can actually be
harmful," said Michael King of University College
London.

King and his colleagues
surveyed more than 1,400 therapists, who identified their
personal convictions and patient anxiety among the reasons for
trying to change sexual orientation.