Previous studies have compared combined homosexual/bisexual groups with heterosexuals and found that the combined groups have a higher rate of mental health problems. However, little attempt has been made to study the mental health of homosexuals and bisexuals separately.

To determine whether bisexual and homosexuals suffered different levels of mental health problems, Dr Anthony Jorm and colleagues from the Australian National University in Canberra surveyed a community sample of 4,824 individuals aged 20-24 and 40-44 who were taking part in a long-term longitudinal study of adult mental health.

Participants completed a questionnaire detailing anxiety, depression, substance use, cognitive function, well-being, physical health, support, use of health services and other factors related to mental health issues.

Sexual orientation, socio-demographic information and basic physical tests were also recorded.

The researchers found that 1 per cent of men and 1.8 per cent of women aged 20-24 reported being homosexual with 1.8 and 2.7 per cent of this age group reporting bisexuality. In the older age group, 1.6 and 2 per cent of men and women reported being homosexual and 0.8 of both men and women reported being bisexual.

Worse mental health was associated with bisexual orientation compared to both homo- and heterosexuality. Measures of anxiety, depression and negative affect were highest in this group, and bisexual individuals also reported more current adverse life events, childhood adversity, less positive family support and more financial problems.

Both homosexual and bisexual individuals had higher rates of suicidality compared to heterosexuals, and homosexuals also reported less positive family support and greater childhood adversity.

The researchers suggest that previous reports may have over-estimated the risk of mental health problems in homosexuals because they have been grouped together with bisexuals.

Writing in the British Journal of Psychiatry, Dr Jorm and colleagues say, “It is possible that having neither a clear heterosexual nor homosexual orientation is an important stressor, in addition to the social pressures of having a different sexual orientation to the majority.”

Reference: Jorm et al, British Journal of Psychiatry 2002; 180:423-427
© Health Media Ltd 2002
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