Mental Health and Clinical Correlates in Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual,and Queer Young Adults |
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| Authors: | Jon E. Grant JD MD MPH Brian L. Odlaug MPH Katherine Derbyshire BS Liana R. N. Schreiber BA Katherine Lust PhD MPH Gary Christenson MD |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois;2. Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark;3. Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota;4. Boynton Health Services , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Objective: This study examined the prevalence of mental health disorders and their clinical correlates in a university sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) students. Participants: College students at a large public university. Methods: An anonymous, voluntary survey was distributed via random e-mail generation to university students during April and May of 2011. LGBQ students were compared with their heterosexual counterparts on psychological and physical status as well as academic performance. Results: LGBQ students reported worse depressive symptoms, higher levels of perceived stress, considered themselves less attractive, and were more likely to be overweight. LGBQ students were significantly more likely to report histories of affective, substance use, and certain anxiety disorders as well as compulsive sexual behavior and compulsive buying. Conclusions: The higher rates of many psychiatric conditions among LGBQ students underscore the need for universities to provide LGBQ students a nonjudgmental environment to discuss sexual orientation and health issues. |
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| Keywords: | academic impulse control lesbian gay bisexual and queer (LGBQ) mental health university |
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