Citation

Lhomond B, Saurel-Cubizolles MJ. Rev. Epidemiol. Sante Publique 2013; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Laboratoire Triangle, CNRS, ENS-LSH, université de Lyon, 15, parvis René-Descartes, 69342 Lyon cedex 07, France.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.respe.2009.10.001

PMID

19944549

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to review the available knowledge on sexual orientation and mental health, especially for women. METHODS: Papers published in English or French, between 1997 and 2007, were selected in PubMed using the following keywords: homosexuality/sexual orientation and mental health/depression/suicide. To be retained, papers had to contain findings from quantitative surveys comparing homosexual and heterosexual adults. In all, this review analyzes 22 papers, including two that are based on the same survey. RESULTS: This review found a general pattern of poorer mental health for homosexuals, accentuated for bisexuals, compared to heterosexuals. The results are especially consistent regarding the elevated risk of suicide attempts.

Language: en