Rates and predictors of mental illness in gay men, lesbians and bisexual men and women

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of research into the mental health of gay men, lesbians and bisexual men and women in the UK. AIMS: To assess rates and possible predictors of mental illness in these groups. METHOD: A comprehensive assessment was made of the psychological and social well-being of a sample of gay men, lesbians and bisexual men and women, identified using 'snowball' sampling. RESULTS: Of the 1285 gay, lesbian and bisexual respondents who took part, 556 (43%) had mental disorder as defined by the revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS - R). Out of the whole sample, 361 (31%) had attempted suicide. This was associated with markers of discrimination such as recent physical attack (OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.3) and school bullying (OR=1.4, 95% CI 1.1-2.0), but not with higher scores on the CIS-R. CONCLUSIONS: Gay, lesbian and bisexual men and women have high levels of mental disorder, possibly linked with discrimination.