Latest in LGBTQ mental health research

LGBTQ individuals are approximately three times more likely to experience a mental health disorder, such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder, compared with other individuals, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Fear of coming out and experiencing discrimination for sexual orientation and sexual identity may increase risk for depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation and behaviors and substance abuse.

LGBTQ mental health is a budding area for research. There is still much work to be done, as many clinicians do not feel equipped to handle some LGBTQ issues. The following represent the latest research in LGBTQ mental health.

Youth with gender dysphoria may have increased risk for Asperger's syndrome

Recent findings indicated higher rates of Asperger’s syndrome among youth with gender dysphoria. Read more

Bullying increases risk for depression, PTSD in LGBT youth

LGBT youth who experienced steadily high or increasing levels of victimization from adolescence to early adulthood had increased risk for depression and PTSD. Read more

Depression, anxiety low in socially transitioned, supported transgender children

Socially transitioned transgender children who are supported in their gender identity had developmentally normative levels of depression and slightly increased levels of anxiety, compared with nontransgender peers. Read more

Removing barriers to contraceptive access reduced teen pregnancy, abortion rates

Teenagers who were given free access to a variety of birth control methods, along with counseling about the risks and benefits of each, were significantly less likely to have an unwanted pregnancy or induce an abortion and were more likely to be adherent to treatment, particularly those on long-acting, reversible contraception methods, new research shows. Read more

Transgender, cisgender sexual minorities have increased risk for eating disorders

Study findings in the Journal of Adolescent Health indicate young adults that identify as transgender or cisgender sexual minorities have increased risk for self-reported eating disorders. Read more

Reference :

National Alliance on Mental Illness. LGBTQ. Accessed March 23, 2016.