[Sexual orientation and mental health: a review]. / Orientation sexuelle et santé mentale : une revue de la littérature.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to review available knowledge on sexual orientation and mental health, especially for women. METHODS: Papers published in English or French, between 1997 and 2007, were selected in PubMed using the following keywords "homosexuality/sexual orientation and mental health/depression/suicide". To be retained, papers had to contain findings from quantitative surveys comparing homosexual and heterosexual adults. In all, this review analyses 22 papers including two that are based on the same survey. RESULTS: This review found a general pattern of poorer mental health for homosexuals and even more so for bisexuals compared to heterosexuals. Results are especially consistent regarding elevated risk of suicide attempts.