%0 Journal Article %T Sexual orientation and suicidal behaviour in adolescents and young adults: systematic review and meta-analysis %J British journal of psychiatry %D 2017 %A Miranda-Mendizábal, A. %A Castellví, P. %A Parés-Badell, O. %A Almenara, J. %A Alonso, I. %A Blasco, M. J. %A Cebrià, A. %A Gabilondo, A. %A Gili, M. %A Lagares, C. %A Piqueras, J. A. %A Roca, M. %A Rodriguez-Marin, J. %A Rodríguez, T. %A Soto-Sanz, V. %A Vilagut, G. %A Alonso, J. %V 211 %N 2 %P 77-87 %X Background: Research suggests that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) adolescents have a higher risk of suicidal behaviours than their heterosexual peers, but little is known about specific risk factors. Aims: To assess sexual orientation as a risk factor for suicidal behaviours, and to identify other risk factors among LGB adolescents and young adults.

METHOD: A systematic search was made of six databases up to June 2015, including a grey literature search. Population-based longitudinal studies considering non-clinical populations aged 12-26 years and assessing being LGB as a risk factor for suicidal behaviour compared with being heterosexual, or evaluating risk factors for suicidal behaviour within LGB populations, were included. Random effect models were used in meta-analysis.

RESULTS: Sexual orientation was significantly associated with suicide attempts in adolescents and youths (OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.60-3.20). Gay or bisexual men were more likely to report suicide attempts compared with heterosexual men (OR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.21-4.04). Based on two studies, a non-significant positive association was found between depression and suicide attempts in LGB groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Sexual orientation is associated with a higher risk of suicide attempt in young people. Further research is needed to assess completed suicide, and specific risk factors affecting the LGB population.

© The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2017.

Language: en

%G en %I Royal College of Psychiatry %@ 0007-1250 %U http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.116.196345