Lesbian, gay, bisexuals experience more anxiety disorder: Study

Gay, lesbian and bisexuals experience more anxiety
disorders than others, and are more likely to turn
to heavy drinking, according to a first of its kind
study.

Researchers found that Canadians who were
identified as bisexuals reported the highest rates of
mood and anxiety disorders and heavy drinking
compared to any other group.
"Often gay, lesbian and bisexual people are grouped
together in studies, but we found there are
important differences in their reported health,"
said Basia Pakula from University of British
Columbia in Canada. The findings come from more
than 220,000 Canadians who participated in the
Canadian Community Health Survey between 2007
and 2012.
The study found that gay and lesbian Canadians
reported about twice the rates of anxiety and mood
disorders compared to heterosexual Canadians. For
bisexual Canadians, the rates were nearly four
times those of heterosexuals and approximately
twice the rates of gay or lesbian respondents.
The findings can be used to plan and allocate
resources for health services that better respond to
the issues facing these groups, researchers said.
While this study did not look at the causes of
anxiety and mood disorders in this population, an
extensive body of research suggests gay, lesbian
and bisexual people experience chronic stress
related to prejudice and stigma, they said.
"There is growing evidence that being the target of
micro-aggressions in the form of daily slurs or
prejudiced comments can be psychologically
damaging. Bisexual people often face a double
stigma from within heterosexual and gay or lesbian
communities, and lack needed supports," said
Pakula. The findings were published in the American
Journal of Public Health.