Getty Images : “Bisexual, transgender adults face higher loneliness risk”

A new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed that bisexual and transgender adults are more prone to experiencing loneliness compared to their straight and cisgender counterparts.

The research, based on data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, looked at the correlation between loneliness, lack of social and emotional support, and mental health variables.

According to the study, loneliness was most prevalent among participants who identified as bisexual, with a rate of 56.7%, and transgender individuals, with rates ranging from 56.4% to 63.9% for transgender males, transgender females, and transgender non-conforming individuals.

Individuals who identified as gay or lesbian also reported high levels of loneliness, at 41.2% and 44.8%, respectively.

Impact on Mental Health

The study also found that members of the LGBTQ+ community were more likely to report feelings of stress, frequent mental distress, and a history of depression. For instance, over one-third of bisexual adults reported feelings of stress, compared to just 12.6% of straight adults. Similarly, up to 37.8% of transgender adults reported stress, while only 13.9% of cisgender adults did.

Furthermore, over half of bisexual and transgender adults reported a history of depression, compared to just around 20% of straight and cisgender adults.

Expert Insights

Dr. Adjoa Smalls-Mantey, a psychiatrist based in New York, commented on the study findings, stating that they were not surprising given the experiences of many LGBTQ+ patients she has treated. She highlighted the challenges of feeling lonely, isolated, and rejected within the community.

Dr. Judith Joseph, a board-certified psychiatrist and clinical assistant professor at NYU Health, emphasized the importance of seeking support outside the home for LGBTQ+ individuals who may feel isolated.

Health Implications

Research has shown that loneliness and isolation can have detrimental effects on physical health, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and premature death from various causes.

Recommendations

The study authors suggest that addressing the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ individuals should involve services that specifically target loneliness and the lack of social and emotional support. Providing culturally competent care and collecting data to address health inequities are crucial steps in improving the well-being of this population.

Overall, the study highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by bisexual and transgender individuals in combating loneliness and improving mental health outcomes.