Denver, CO - A position statement opposing any psychiatric treatment such as "reparative" or "conversion" therapy designed to change a person's sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual was adopted by unanimous vote at the December 11-12 meeting of the American Psychiatric Association Board of Trustees.

The APA removed homosexuality as a mental disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1973 after reviewing evidence that revealed it did not fit necessary criterion to be categorized as a mental illness.

"It is fitting that this position opposing reparative therapy is adopted on the 25th anniversary of the removal of homosexuality as a mental disorder from the DSM," said Rodrigo Munoz, M.D., APA President. "There is no scientific evidence that reparative or conversion therapy is effective in changing a person's sexual orientation. There is, however, evidence that this type of therapy can be destructive."

The position states that reparative therapy runs the risk of harming patients by causing depression, anxiety, and self-destructive behavior. The APA joins the American Psychological Association, the American Association of Social Workers, and the American Academy of Pediatrics in making a policy against reparative therapy.