Gays, Lesbians, and Their Possible Suffering from Mental Illness of Any Kind Free Essay Example, 4000 words

Lesbians maintain strong levels of mental health on a par with their heterosexual counterparts and even exhibit higher levels of self-esteem. Previous research had suggested that attempts of suicide among gay/lesbian youth were much higher than heterosexuals. But new studies reveal that the incidence is only a little more likely than those with normal sexual behaviour patterns. Such studies suggest there is the need for a far better and more tailored psychological treatment for LGB folk. (Tori, 2002). A series of population-based studies were conducted by Dr Susan Cochran, an epidemiologist with the School of Public Health, UCLA and the findings were reported in the November issue of The American Psychologist. Compared to heterosexuals, gay/lesbians were found to have higher rates of major, generalized anxiety disorder and substance use or dependence. Among gay men, higher rates of recurrent major depression were evident. Among same-sex partners between the ages of 15-54, there was a higher incidence of anxiety, mood and substance use disorders, and suicidal thoughts. Such persons also made more extensive use of mental health services. Cochran states that sifting out this kind of data has never been possible with general surveys before. We will write a custom essay sample on Gays, Lesbians, and Their Possible Suffering from Mental Illness of Any Kind or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page This makes Cochran worry that such findings may help to falsely propagate the assumption that gay folk are mentally ill by nature. She says, "These are certainly not levels of morbidity consistent with models that say homosexuality is inherently pathological. "