Mental health and suicidal risk in lesbian, gay and bisexual population

Abstract

Introduction

Nowadays, the lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) community still suffers from prejudice and social stigma, including from medical professionals.

Thus, it is urgent to draw attention to this population since these individuals have an increased risk of mental disorders, substance abuse and dependence, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt or complete suicide.

Aims

To underline the prevalence of mental disorders and increased suicide risk in the LGB population.

Objectives

To summarize the latest literature about this field.

Methods

A brief review of the latest literature was performed on PubMed using the keywords “mental health”, “suicidal risk”, “LGB population”.

Results

LGB individuals appear to be at increased risk of mental disorders and suicidal behavior than heterosexuals. According to Meyer, they are exposed to what is called the minority stress: proximal, depending on the subject and related to fear of rejection and internalized homophobia and distal, regardless of the individual including prejudice, social stress, social exclusion (including their own families) and violence.

The odds of attempting suicide are approximately 2 to 7 times higher for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals (LGBs) than for heterosexuals.

Conclusions

Minority stress related to prejudice and stigma against LGB people has a significant risk that can be related to suicide ideation and attempt.

The higher rate of many psychiatric conditions noted in this community underscores the need for clinicians to provide nonjudgmental care and approachable environment.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.