Study: Adult suicide risk varies by sexual identity

Lesbian, gay and bisexual adults were three to six times more likely than heterosexual adults to report suicide thoughts, plans and attempts in the 2015-2019 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, according to a study reported this week in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Suicide thoughts decreased across age groups and were highest among white adults in each sexual identity category. In some age and race/ethnicity categories, bisexual women were more likely to report suicidal thoughts than lesbian/gay women.

“This study demonstrates the importance of asking about sexual identity in national data collection efforts, and it highlights the pressing need for suicide prevention services that address the specific experiences and needs of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults of different genders, ages, and race and ethnic groups,” said Rajeev Ramchand, lead author and senior advisor on epidemiology and suicide prevention at the National Institute of Mental Health.