No Scientific Evidence Sexual-Orientation-Change Efforts Effective

T he American Psychological Association passed a landmark resolution this week advising their members not to tell gay clients they can change their sexual orientation through treatment.

The declaration followed an extensive review of 83 studies conducted over 40 years. The research concluded there is no scientific evidence that "reparative therapy," or sexual-orientation-change efforts, are effective , Globe and Mail reports.

Meanwhile, in a letter to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, president of the NSS Terry Sanderson wrote: "We would like to suggest that the Royal College of Psychiatrists considers issuing an advisory to its own members that they should not offer to provide these therapies nor suggest that people seek them out elsewhere - particularly from religious groups." , The Press Association reports.

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 , AFP reports.