Citation

Warner J, McKeown E, Griffin M, Johnson K, Ramsay A, Cort C, King M. Br. J. Psychiatry 2004; 185: 479-485.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

10.1192/bjp.185.6.479

PMID

15572738

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.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Alcohol Drinking; Bisexuality; England; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Prejudice; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Substance-Related Disorders; Wales