XML Feed for RxPG News   Add RxPG News Headlines to My Yahoo!   Javascript Syndication for RxPG News

Research Health World General
 
  Home
 
 Latest Research
 Cancer
 Psychiatry
 Genetics
 Surgery
 Aging
 Ophthalmology
 Gynaecology
 Neurosciences
 Pharmacology
 Cardiology
 Obstetrics
 Infectious Diseases
 Respiratory Medicine
 Pathology
 Endocrinology
 Immunology
 Nephrology
 Gastroenterology
 Biotechnology
 Radiology
 Dermatology
 Microbiology
 Haematology
 Dental
 ENT
 Environment
 Embryology
 Orthopedics
 Metabolism
 Anaethesia
 Paediatrics
 Public Health
 Urology
 Musculoskeletal
 Clinical Trials
 Physiology
 Biochemistry
 Cytology
 Traumatology
 Rheumatology
 
 Medical News
 Health
 Opinion
  Columnists
  Editorials
  Discussions
  Surveys
 Healthcare
 Professionals
 Launch
 Awards & Prizes
 
 Careers
 Medical
 Nursing
 Dental
 
 Special Topics
 Euthanasia
 Ethics
 Evolution
 Odd Medical News
 Feature
 
 World News
 Tsunami
 Epidemics
 Climate
 Business
 
 India
Search

Last Updated: Nov 18, 2006 - 12:32:53 PM

Surveys Channel
subscribe to Surveys newsletter

Medical News : Opinion : Surveys

   DISCUSS   |   EMAIL   |   PRINT
Discrimination possibly linked to increased levels of mental disorder
Dec 6, 2004 - 6:17:00 AM, Reviewed by: Dr.



 
A new survey has found high levels of discrimination against gay men, lesbians and bisexual men and women. Many of those discriminated against attributed it to their sexuality. This was the first large, UK-based comprehensive survey of psychological well-being amongst these groups. Published in the December issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry, the study suggested that experiences of discrimination appear to be linked with higher rates of mental disorder.

There is currently little research into the mental health of gay men, lesbians and bisexual men and women in the UK. The study set out to assess rates and possible predictors of mental illness in these groups.

741 men (656 gay, 85 bisexual) and 544 women (430 lesbian, 114 bisexual) in England and Wales took part in the survey. Each participant was asked to complete a computer-based questionnaire investigating a variety of health and social outcomes.

83% of the sample reported having experienced at least one of the following: damage to property, personal attacks or verbal insults in the past five years, or insults or bullying at school. 66% of those who had experienced discrimination attributed this to their sexuality, in particular bisexuals.

High rates of planned and actual deliberate self-harm, and high levels of psychiatric problems, were found among gay men (42%), lesbians (43%) and bisexual men and women (49%) compared with previous community surveys of mainly heterosexual people. 31% of those studied had attempted suicide.

Compared with older participants, people under the age of 40 appeared to be at higher risk of mental disorder, harmful drinking and considering self-harm. This finding contrasts with greater openness about sexuality in this age group.

A possible reason for this could be that younger people are more exposed to acts of discrimination; alternatively, being open about sexuality may lead to more insults and assaults, and hence worse mental health. Another explanation could be that younger people are more likely to disclose these issues.

Gay men in particular seem to be aware of their sexuality from a young age, with 74% of the sample stating that they were aware they were gay before the age of 15. This strongly suggests that homosexuality is innate rather than a 'lifestyle choice'.

The authors of the study comment that the findings suggest that people who identified themselves as bisexual were not simply gay or lesbian and reluctant to identify themselves as such.

Bisexual respondents in the study were less open than gays and lesbians about their sexuality with family and friends, and felt less comfortable about it. The authors suggest that bisexual people should be treated as a separate group for the purposes of health-related research.

They conclude that strategies are needed that raise awareness of the vulnerability of gay, lesbian and bisexual people to psychological distress and self-harm.

Paper reference
Warner J, McKeown E, Griffin M, Johnson K, Ramsay A, Cort C and King M (2004) Rates and predictors of mental illness in gay men, lesbians and bisexual men and women. British Journal of Psychiatry, 185, 479-485.
 

- Royal College of Psychiatrists
 

British Journal of Psychiatry

 
Subscribe to Surveys Newsletter
E-mail Address:

 



Related Surveys News

Cosmetic surgery normal part of everyday life for British women
First European heart failure awareness survey reveals massive public lack of awareness
Drink Driving on the Increase, study shows
Negative Physician Attitudes Toward HIV Infected IV Drug Users
How opposite sex perceive the sense of humour differently
Physicians remain overwhelmingly negative in communicating a diagnosis of Down syndrome in newborn infants
Discrimination possibly linked to increased levels of mental disorder
Psychiatrists have more positive attitude towards mentally ill
'YOU DON'T BRING ME FLOWERS ANY MORE'


For any corrections of factual information, to contact the editors or to send any medical news or health news press releases, use feedback form

Top of Page

 

© Copyright 2004 onwards by RxPG Medical Solutions Private Limited
Contact Us