The prevalence of serious mental disorders and suicidality is higher among people who identify as transgender or gender diverse (TGD) compared to cisgender.
This is according to a study – “Mental Disorders and Suicidality in Transgender and Gender-Diverse People” by Heidi Eccles, Alex Abramovich, Karen A. Patte, et al – that was published in JAMA.
This study used data from the Mental Health and Access to Care Survey (MHACS), which is a nationally representative cross-sectional study administered by Statistics Canada from March to July 2022. There was a 25% response rate, resulting in a sample size of 9,861 people.
- Some of the key findings included:
- Past 12-month and lifetime major depressive episode, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, social phobia, substance use disorder, suicide ideation, suicide plan, and suicide attempts were higher in TGD respondents compared with cisgender respondents (e.g. lifetime prevalence of depression among cisgender: 13.7% vs TGD: 63.7%).
- After adjusting for confounders, the risk of all 12-month and past-year mental disorders, substance use disorder, and suicide ideation were higher in TGD respondents compared with cisgender participants.
- The risk of lifetime suicide plan and attempts was significantly higher in TGD respondents. Alcohol use disorder did not differ between the groups (past 12 months or lifetime).
Fo the researchers, it is unfortunate yet worth noting that “TGD 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. And TGD people were three times more likely to report thoughts of suicide and six times more likely to have attempted suicide during their lifetime.”
There is, therefore, a need to better “supports for transgender and gender diverse people, who experience high rates of prejudice and discrimination,” said lead author Eccles.
“Given these mental health disparities, there is a need for increased mental health services and access for transgender and gender diverse individuals,” added Racine, fellow author on the research. “Feeling accepted, understood, and socially supported are critical ingredients for this care.”
