Mental Health Disparities Within the LGBT Population: A Comparison Between Transgender and Nontransgender Individuals

Abstract

<b>Purpose:</b> This study assessed within a Midwestern LGBT population whether, and the extent to which, transgender identity was associated with elevated odds of reported discrimination, depression symptoms, and suicide attempts. <b>Methods:</b> Based on survey data collected online from respondents who self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender persons over the age of 19 in Nebraska in 2010, this study performed bivariate <i>t</i>- or chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis to examine differences in reported discrimination, depression symptoms, suicide attempts, and self-acceptance of LGBT identity between 91 transgender and 676 nontransgender respondents. <b>Results:</b> After controlling for the effects of selected confounders, transgender identity was associated with higher odds of reported discrimination (OR=2.63, <i>p</i><0.01), depression symptoms (OR=2.33, <i>p</i><0.05), and attempted suicides (OR=2.59, <i>p</i><0.01) when compared with nontransgender individuals. Self-acceptance of LGBT identity was associated with substantially lower odds of reporting depression symptoms (OR=0.46, <i>p</i><0.001). <b>Conclusion:</b> Relative to nontransgender LGB individuals, transgender individuals were more likely to report discrimination, depression symptoms, and attempted suicides. Lack of self-acceptance of LGBT identity was associated with depression symptoms among transgender individuals.