Published in JAMA, the research represents one of the first nationally representative samples, with responses from nearly 10,000 Canadians aged 15 or older providing insight into the psychological hurdles this marginalized population lives with.
Summary:
- Transgender and gender diverse 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.
- Transgender and gender diverse people were three times more likely to report thoughts of suicide and 6 times more likely to have attempted suicide during their lifetime.
"This research is important because it highlights that we need better supports for transgender and gender diverse people, who experience high rates of prejudice and discrimination," says lead author Heidi Eccles, a PhD student in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health who collaborated with researchers from eight other universities.
"Research like this should inform policy decisions regarding providing gender affirming care and support," adds senior author and Full Professor Dr. Ian Colman, whose previous research has investigated suicide and self-harm among transgender teens and adolescents.
The researchers will be looking to continue investigating factors to support mental health and build resiliency in transgender and gender diverse youth, including at the clinical level.
"Given these mental health disparities, there is a need for increased mental health services and access for transgender and gender diverse individuals," says Nicole Racine, Assistant Professor of Psychology and fellow author on the research. "Feeling accepted, understood, and socially supported are critical ingredients for this care."
