Transgender or gender diverse populations in Canada suffer from higher rate of mental disorders and suicide: uOttawa study
New research from the University of Ottawa finds the prevalence of serious mental disorders and suicidality is higher among people who identify as transgender or gender diverse compared to cisgender.
University of Ottawa
New research from the University of Ottawa finds the prevalence of serious mental disorders and suicidality is higher among people who identify as transgender or gender diverse compared to cisgender.
Published in JAMA, the research represents one of the first nationally representative samples, with responses from nearly 10,000 Canadians aged 15 or older providing insight into the psychological hurdles this marginalized population lives with.
Summary:
- Transgender and gender diverse people were up to three times more likely to meet the criteria for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and social phobia over a one-year period compared to cisgender people.
- More than half of transgender or gender diverse people in the study had met the criteria for major depression, generalized anxiety, or social phobia in their lives.
- Transgender and gender diverse people were three times more likely to report thoughts of suicide and 6 times more likely to have attempted suicide during their lifetime.
“This research is important because it highlights that we need better supports for transgender and gender diverse people, who experience high rates of prejudice and discrimination,” says lead author Heidi Eccles, a PhD student in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health who collaborated with researchers from eight other universities.
“Research like this should inform policy decisions regarding providing gender affirming care and support,” adds senior author and Full Professor Dr. Ian Colman, whose previous research has investigated suicide and self-harm among transgender teens and adolescents.
The researchers will be looking to continue investigating factors to support mental health and build resiliency in transgender and gender diverse youth, including at the clinical level.
“Given these mental health disparities, there is a need for increased mental health services and access for transgender and gender diverse individuals,” says Nicole Racine, Assistant Professor of Psychology and fellow author on the research. “Feeling accepted, understood, and socially supported are critical ingredients for this care.”
Journal
JAMA
Method of Research
Literature review
Subject of Research
People
Article Title
Mental Disorders and Suicidality in Transgender and Gender-Diverse People
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors among autistic transgender or gender-nonconforming US college students
JAMA Network Open
About The Study: This cross-sectional study addresses the dearth of information on how intersectionality in gender and autism status impacts the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and the results confirm the elevated risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among transgender or gender nonconforming and autistic populations. Interventions are needed to support college students with these identities.
Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Annabelle M. Mournet, MS, email amm883@psych.rutgers.edu.
To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/
(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.38345)
Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.
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About JAMA Network Open: JAMA Network Open is an online-only open access general medical journal from the JAMA Network. On weekdays, the journal publishes peer-reviewed clinical research and commentary in more than 40 medical and health subject areas. Every article is free online from the day of publication.
Journal
JAMA Network Open
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