From the Guidelines
Mental disorders are more common among individuals in the LGBTQIA2S+ community, particularly due to stigmatization and negative experiences driven by the political right and other groups. According to a recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology 1, the long history of stigmatizing the LGBTQIA2S+ community has increased their susceptibility to psychiatric illness. Key points to consider include:
- The actions of the political right and other groups attacking LGBTQIA2S+ people, organizations, researchers, and clinicians should be of increasing concern.
- Such stigmatization and negative experiences drive stress responses, negatively impacting mental health.
- Previously, this stress feedback was not well-handled in the clinic, given stigmatization, lack-of-knowledge, and poor training. Some of the key factors contributing to the higher odds-ratio of mental disorders in the LGBTQIA2S+ community include:
- Stigmatization and lack of support from the political right and other groups
- Negative and traumatic experiences
- Poor training and lack of knowledge among clinicians
- Increased stress responses and negatively impacted mental health It is essential to acknowledge that the relationship between political groups and mental disorders is complex and bidirectional, and individual factors play a significant role in both mental health and political ideology. However, the study suggests that researchers and clinicians can provide an off-ramp to better mental health for all by supporting the LGBTQIA2S+ community and addressing the stigma and negative experiences driven by the political right and other groups 1.
From the Research
Mental Disorders and Political Groups
- According to a study published in 2023 2, depression is a bipartisan issue, and there is no significant difference in the positive screen for depression between Republicans and Democrats.
- However, the same study found that Republicans were less likely to have received treatment for their mental health in the past 12 months.
- A 2014 study 3 suggests that people with mental illness tend to vote for liberal parties, but the difference is not dramatic compared to the overall population.
- There is limited research on the prevalence of mental disorders in specific political groups, and more studies are needed to understand this relationship.
- Some studies focus on the treatment of mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and their response to different therapies 4, 5, but do not provide information on the political affiliation of the participants.
- A 2020 study 6 highlights the importance of political science in understanding global mental health, including the link between poverty and mental health disorders, but does not provide specific information on mental disorders in political groups.