Mental Illnesses Common in Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals: Study

Research finds gays, lesbians and sexual minorities are more likely to suffer from mental illnesses.

British experts from the Cambridge University conducted a survey on mental health disorders and found the conditions were common in 12 percent of homosexual women and 19 percent of bisexual females. Their study looked at more than 27,000 patients who described themselves to be either gay or bisexuals. Only 6 percent of hetrosexual women reportedly suffered poor mental status and disturbances.  Around 11 percent of gay men and 15 percent of bisexual men also experienced depression and anxiety compared to 5 percent of hetrosexual men, reports the Independent.

The researchers also noted half of these men and women have had bad experiences while seeking medical help and treatment for their disorders.

"The survey shows that sexual minorities suffer both poorer health and have worse experiences when they see their GP," said Martin Roland, study author and director of the Cambridge Centre for Health Services Research, reports the Independent.

"We need to ensure both that doctors recognise the needs of sexual minorities, and also that sexual minorities have the same experience of care as other patients," he adds.

Majority of mental ailments are triggered by social pressure and stigma endured by gays, lesbians and bisexuals. These people suffer discrimination and are often targeted for their sexual preference. They also have limited access to healthcare and treatment facilities.

The Trade Union Congress and London Metropolitan University revealed that the LGBT community is ," suffering as a result of austerity".

"The Government needs to do more to ensure that our NHS is an LGBT-friendly environment. Staff must receive training in the specific health needs of LGBT people. And we must ensure that LGBT people not only have confidence to access services and speak to professionals about their health, but that they then receive the high quality care that they need," said Luciana Berger MP, Labour's shadow Public Health Minister, reports the Independent.

More information is available online in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.