LGBT adolescents in America: Depression, discrimination and suicide

Abstract

Introduction

The mental health of Adolescents in America is a major concern for the field of psychiatry. In particular, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) adolescents are at higher risk of adverse mental health outcomes. This is largely attributed to “minority stress” and from outright bullying and discrimination. In this presentation, this link between bullying and depression will be explored.

Objectives

By the end of this presentation, the audience will be able to better understand the link between anti-LGBT bullying and mental illness and identify the ways to help their patients.

Methods

This presentation is informed by a literature search from PubMed In addition, it is informed by a symposium previously done at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) annual meeting in 2014.

Results

There is clear evidence in the literature that bullying of LGBT adolescents is pervasive. In addition, LGBT people are more likely to be depressed than their heterosexual counterparts. This combination has led to 4-5 times higher rates of attempted suicide by LGBT adolescents. Having Gay-Straight Alliances in schools, supportive teachers and school administrators, and broader anti-discrimination legislation has a protective effect on this.

Conclusion

LGBT adolescents are exposed to more stress by being a minority in society and by being explicitly bullied and discriminated against. This can lead to depression in some of these adolescents, and can also lead to suicide in the most vulnerable among them. There are proven ways to reduce these risks, and psychiatrists have a role to play in advocating for these reforms.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.