Clinical Depression: A Health Disparity Among LGBT In Comparison to the General Population in Massachusetts

Transcription

1 Clinical Depression: A Health Disparity Among LGBT In Comparison to the General Population in Massachusetts WTHS By: Kim Nguyen of South High School Nadine Boateng of 1

2 What is a Health Disparity? A health disparity is the difference in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of disease and other adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups when compared in contrast to the general population. Disparities can stem from: Unequal distribution of social, political, economic, and environmental resources 2

3 Clinical Depression Clinical Depression is a mood disorder causing persistent sadness. Can Lead To: Loss of Hope High Anxiety and Restlessness Extreme Mood Changes Attempts or Completion of Suicide 3

4 Can People Control It? No, it has been proven there is a physical change in those with clinical depression brain chemistry, resulting in an imbalance of neurotransmitters. Through MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) testing, it is shown that areas of the brain controlling appetite, sleep, and behavior are remarkably different between those with clinical depression and those without it. 4

5 Clinical Depression is a health disparity among LGBT. Compared to the general population, LGBT display a disparity of clinical depression within Massachusetts. LGBT are more prone to poorer health than heterosexuals/straight in factors such as: self reported health sexual assault victimization substance abuse 5

6 Population of 2014 Estimated Total Population within Mass. = 6,745,000 Estimated LGBT Population within Mass. = 230, % = Population in Mass. that identify as LGBT 6

7 Adjusted OR Health Status 97.1% of adults identified themselves as heterosexual or straight, while 1.9% self-identified as gay, lesbian or homosexual, and 1.0% as bisexual in Mass. Fair/Poor Health A Health Profile of Massachusetts Adults by Sexual Orientation Identity: Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Surveys 7

8 Research suggests that LGBT individuals face health disparities linked to discrimination, societal stigma, and denial of their civil and human rights. 8

9 Discrimination LGBT are more likely to experience discrimination throughout their lives than the general population. Associated with: High Rates of Psychiatric Disorders Substance Abuse Suicide 9

10 Adjusted OR Societal Stigma Personal, family, and social acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity affects the mental health and personal safety of LGBT individuals. Often times, LGBT are homeless because they cannot be accepted by family and by society The only safe places for LGBT to meet are at bars and clubs Current Smoker Former Smoker Binge Drinking Illicit Drug Use A Health Profile of Massachusetts Adults by Sexual Orientation Identity: Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Surveys 10

11 Civil and Human Rights Clinical Depression is often related to oppression and discrimination. Legal discrimination: access to health insurance, employment, housing, marriage, adoption, and retirement Violence: Lack of enforcement of anti-bullying laws in school to protect LGBT students, frequent victimization of LGBT often disregarded and overlooked 11

12 Table 10: Mental Health Considered Attempting Suicide Sexual Orientation Percentage Heterosexual 2.3% Gay or Lesbian 4.4% Bisexual 7.4% Transgender Status Yes 30.8% No 3.6% (Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2009) 12

13 (Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2009) Table 9: Mental Health Number of Days in Past Month Depressed and Anxious Sexual Orientation Number of Days Depressed Number of Days Anxious Heterosexual Gay or Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Status Yes No

14 Efforts to Improve LGBT Health How We Can Help Implementing anti-bullying policies in schools Reforms in receiving access to equal medical benefits Providing supportive social services to reduce suicide and homelessness risk among youth Treatment Talk Therapy is an effective measure to help Antidepressants: SSRI s and SNRI s Electroconvulsive Therapy Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation 14

15 On Our Way Laws In 1989, Massachusetts became the 2nd state to pass an antidiscrimination law to prohibit sexual orientation discrimination to interfere with employment, housing, credit and services. In November of 2011, a legislative enacted law, An Act Relative to Gender Identity, was signed by the governor and went into effect on July 12, It prohibited discrimination against transgenders. Policies in schools In Massachusetts, LGBT students have the right to attend school safely, safely express your point of view, form a GSA, wear clothes that fit your gender identity, be called by your chosen name and attend the bathroom/locker room of your choice. These rights are established by state and federal laws through all Mass. public schools. 15

16 In Conclusion According to statistics, the LGBT population are more prone to clinical depression and mental health issues in comparison to the general population. Research suggests that discrimination and oppression within their environment puts the LGBT population at higher risk of clinical depression. 16

17 1 7

18 References 1. A Health Profile of Massachusetts Adults by Sexual Orientation Identity. (2008, November 1). Retrieved July 20, 2015, from 2. Anti-Discrimination Law in Massachusetts. (2014, February 11). Retrieved July 20, 2015, from 3. Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Questioning Youth. (2015). Retrieved July 20, 2015, from 4. Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2015, from 5. Disparities in Health and Health Care: Five Key Questions and Answers. (2012, November 30). Retrieved July 15, 2015, from Health Disparities. (2014, December 3). Retrieved July 15, 2015, from 8. Landers, S., & Gilsanz, P. (2009, July 1). THE HEALTH OF LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) PERSONS IN MASSACHUSETTS. Retrieved July 15, 2015, from 9. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health. (2014). Retrieved July 15, 2015, from Namade, R., Reiss, N., & Domeck, M. (2007, September 19). Biology Of Depression - Neurotransmitters. Retrieved July 15, 2015, from Rights of LGBT Public School Students. (2015). Retrieved July 20, 2015, from Stigma and Discrimination. (2011, March 3). Retrieved July 15, 2015, from Types of Depression: Major, Chronic, Manic, and More Types. (n.d.). Retrieved July 20, 2015, from What Are Health Disparities? (2013, January 14). Retrieved July 15, 2015, from 18

19 Questions? 19