16661 Ventura Blvd, Ste. 1340 * Encino, CA 91436 * (818) 789-4440
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH &
THERAPY OF HOMOSEXUALITY
________________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dr. Robert L. Spitzer, M.D.
May 9, 2001
(212) 543-5524
Nicki Erickson (NARTH)
Prominent Psychiatrist
Announces New Study Results: "Some Gays CAN Change"
Dr. Robert Spitzer Announces
Study Findings at Annual APA Convention
New Orleans—In a report released today at
the annual American Psychiatric Association (APA) convention, psychiatrist Dr.
Robert Spitzer announced the results of a new study on homosexuality. Efforts to change sexual orientation can---in
some men and women—apparently produce significant success.
Dr. Spitzer’s
personal involvement in this particular study is historically significant: He was
the leading figure in the 1973 APA decision which removed homosexuality from
the official diagnostic manual of mental disorders. Today, he is Chief of Biometrics Research and Professor of
Psychiatry at Columbia University in New York City.
"Contrary
to conventional wisdom, some highly motivated individuals, using a variety of
change efforts, can make substantial change in multiple indicators of sexual
orientation,” said Spitzer.
“Like most psychiatrists, I
thought that homosexual behavior could only be resisted, and that no one could really change their sexual
orientation. I now believe that to be false.
Some people can and do change,” said
Spitzer.
Dr. Spitzer interviewed 200
men and women who have experienced a significant shift from homosexual to
heterosexual attraction, and have sustained this shift for at least five years.
Many of the subjects had sought change
because of disillusionment with a promiscuous lifestyle and unstable, stormy relationships.
Many reported a conflict with their religious values, and many had desired to
be (or to stay) heterosexually married. By the time of the study interview, three-quarters of the men and
half of the women had become married.
One surprising discovery was that
67% of the men who had rarely or never felt any opposite-sex attraction
before the change effort, now report significant heterosexual attraction. Even those whose orientation did not
change--but who gave up homosexual behavior—experienced a significant improvement
in emotional health.
Dr. Spitzer cautioned against an “either/or” view of orientation change. A better way to conceptualize change “is to see it as a diminishing of unwanted homosexuality and an increase in heterosexual potential—recognizing that for some, change is possible along a multi-dimensional continuum.” While cautioning against any form of coercive treatment, he added, “I believe patients should have the right to explore their heterosexual potential.”
Media can
attend the A.P.A. panel discussion, “Clinical
& Ethical Concerns Regarding Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation: An
Update”
Wednesday,
May 9, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Hilton Riverside Hotel, Rosedown Room, Third Floor
2 Poydras
St., New Orleans, LA