Prevalence, sociodemographic correlates and DSM-5 substance use disorders and other psychiatric disorders among sexual minorities in the United States

- 1.5%, 1.3% and 0.5% of individuals self-identified as gay/lesbian, bisexual and not sure sexual orientations.
- Results highlight the need to examine the role of multiple marginalized identities in mental health disparities among SM.
- Elevated rates of substance use disorders among SMs underscore substance use as a coping strategy.
- Mental health disparities, especially among bisexual women, were observed.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to present current nationally representative data on the prevalences, sociodemographic correlates and risk of DSM-5 substance use disorders and other psychiatric disorders among sexual minorities (SMs) relative to heterosexuals, and among SMs by gender.MethodsData were derived from the 2012-2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III.ResultsIn the general noninstitutionalized population, 1.5%, 1.3% and 0.5% of individuals self-identified as gay/lesbian, bisexual and not sure sexual orientations. Men were more likely to report gay/lesbian orientation than women (1.8% vs. 1.2%). Women were more likely than men to report bisexual (1.8% vs. 0.8%) and not sure (0.6% vs. 0.4%) sexual orientations. Sociodemographic characteristics varied across sexual orientation and gender. Relative to heterosexuals, disparities in substance use and psychiatric disorders were found across sexual orientations, especially among bisexual women. Greater rates of specific psychiatric disorders were also demonstrated by women reporting bisexual and not sure orientations relative to lesbian women, with fewer differences in rates of psychopathology among SM men.ConclusionsDespite growing acceptance of SMs and SM rights over the past decade, substantial mental health disparities exist among these subgroups of the U.S. noninstitutionalized population, especially among bisexual women. More research is needed to understand these mental health disparities, while considering nuances of multiple intersecting minority identities and unique contextual factors.Findingsunderscore the importance of advancing future population-based research that includes detailed information on the health and well-being of SMs in the United States.