CHAPTER 1

Contributing factors to higher risks of mental health issues in LGBT community

Literature review

In the past two decades, apart from dramatic shifts in universal attitudes towards LGBT
population and issues, emergence of research from multiple and diverse fields has also
created substantive knowledge concerning mental health in LGBT community (Russell).

Moreover, mental health is often cited as a particular concern among the LGBTs due to
the long term stigma of heterosexism and homophobia, which contributes to higher risks
of depression, suicide, addiction and substance misuse (Addis et al. 652). For instance,
results from Cochran et al. indicates that gay/bisexual men yields higher prevalence of
depression, panic attacks and psychological distress compared to straight/heterosexual
men; similarly, lesbian/bisexual women are more likely to experience anxiety disorder
than heterosexual women.

In addition, Meyer has tested the effects on mental health caused by three minority
stressors, concluding that each of the causes has a considerable independent association
with various mental issue measures.

Overall, different forms of stressors that stem from discrimination, backgrounds, and
intrapersonal aspects should be correctly identified in order to reflect the full spectrum of
high mental disorders among the LGBT population, thereafter to address the
specific contributing factors to avoid systemic failures of health care as well as
inequality of care (Addis et al. 652).

Works cited
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2. Russell S.T. & Joyner K. (2001) Adolescent sexual orientation and

suicide risk: evidence from a national study. American Journal
of Public Health, 91, 1276–1281

3. Meyer I.H. (1995) Stress and mental health in gay men. Journal of
Health and Social Behaviour, 36, 38–56.

4. Cochran S.D., Sullian J.G. & Mays V.M. (2003) Prevalence of

mental disorders, psychological distress, and mental health
services use among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults in the United States. Journal
of Consulting and Clinical Psychology,
71, 53–61