Title: Study Finds Conversion Therapy Associated with Increased Cardiovascular Risks in LGBTQ+ Youth
By Ben Sullivan
Recent investigations have revealed an alarming new facet of the well-established harms associated with conversion therapy: a notable effect on cardiovascular health in young LGBTQ+ people. A study recently published in JAMA Network Open indicates that individuals subjected to conversion therapy—also referred to in medical terminology as sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts (SOGICE)—experience significant increases in blood pressure, systemic inflammation, and elevated rates of hypertension.
This research, spearheaded by Dr. Brian Mustanski and conducted by a team from Northwestern University, presents the first solid evidence demonstrating that conversion therapy inflicts not just psychological damage but also real physical risks that may linger for years.
Key Findings: Examining the Cardiovascular Effects
The study analyzed data from 703 sexual and gender minority (SGM) young adults assigned male at birth, with an average age of 27. Approximately 10% indicated they had undergone conversion therapy during their youth. Significant findings from the study include:
– Individuals who had experienced conversion therapy reported systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels that were 3–5 points higher than those who had not.
– Those who endured conversion therapy for extended periods (over one year) showed even more pronounced increases in cardiovascular risk factors.
– Increased inflammation markers were noted in those with histories of conversion therapy—a known risk for chronic conditions, particularly heart disease.
These results remained statistically significant even after controlling for various factors such as age, race, education, and lifestyle habits that are known to impact cardiovascular health.
An Additional Layer of Risk
Conversion therapy has been broadly discredited by virtually all major American medical and psychological associations, including the American Psychological Association, American Medical Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics, due to its associations with heightened levels of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal tendencies among LGBTQ+ individuals. This latest study expands the conversation beyond psychological detriment by correlating these practices with early physical health challenges.
Researchers note that exposure to intense psychological stress during crucial developmental phases may trigger biological reactions harmful to long-term health. Physiological changes linked to stress, such as hormonal disruptions, chronic inflammation, and elevated blood pressure, align with the minority stress model—a public health concept explaining how sustained social stressors experienced by marginalized groups can manifest as health problems.
Prevalent Yet Insufficiently Regulated
Despite a strong consensus regarding its dangers, conversion therapy remains widely practiced. At the time of the study, only 23 states and the District of Columbia had implemented complete bans on the practice. Five states had partial prohibitions, often failing to protect adults or lacking enforcement provisions.
Most concerningly, the study uncovered over 1,320 practitioners of conversion therapy currently operating in the U.S. Nearly half possessed active professional licenses, while others functioned within religious contexts, frequently eluding regulatory scrutiny. This situation allows for the continued availability of these harmful practices even in states where they are prohibited, typically masquerading as spiritual counseling or unlicensed therapy.
Participants reported their first experiences with conversion therapy at just under 13 years old, a critical phase for emotional and physical development, with most stating these experiences concluded around age 16. A significant number (54.2%) indicated that their parents were the ones to initiate therapy, while 37.5% indicated they pursued it themselves, likely due to familial or societal pressures.
Healthcare, Policy, and Prevention
The ramifications of this study are extensive, impacting both healthcare and public policy:
– For healthcare providers: The findings underscore the necessity for trauma-informed, LGBTQ+-inclusive care that involves screening for any past exposure to conversion therapy. Understanding a patient’s background may enhance risk assessments concerning hypertension and coronary artery disease.
– For policymakers: The results highlight the urgent need to advocate for the total prohibition of conversion therapy and ensure these restrictions are enforceable. Providing support for survivors through counseling, health monitoring, and community-based resources is crucial.
– For public health practitioners: The need to inform the public about the long-term risks associated with SOGICE and to advocate for affirmative care approaches that acknowledge and support LGBTQ+ identities is emphasized.
Beyond Mental Well-Being: Preventing Lasting Effects
With cardiovascular diseases consistently ranking as leading causes of death worldwide, these findings raise the stakes considerably. Early cardiovascular risk might foreshadow a greater likelihood of complications as individuals age, including heart attacks, strokes, and other debilitating conditions.
Crucially, this study indicates that interventions aimed at promoting mental health and affirming identity could alleviate some of the physiological repercussions of trauma. By fostering acceptance and diminishing internalized stigma, healthcare systems may be able to mitigate the cumulative effects of prolonged stress.
What Lies Ahead?
While this research centered on individuals assigned male at birth, further studies are necessary to evaluate impacts across a wider range of gender identities and experiences. Additionally, more work is needed to investigate whether targeted interventions can reverse or prevent these risks.