In recent years research has begun to identify and examine the needs of lesbian and gay adolescents, and depression and suicide attempt is emerging as a major public health problem in this population. Even though Healthy People 2010 identifies the need to eliminate health disparities that exist due to sexual orientation, few health service providers understand factors that increase a young lesbian or gay person’s risk of depression and suicide attempt. As a result, an insufficient number of programs are being developed to help lesbian and gay teens cope with issues that increase their risk of severe negative mental and physical health outcomes. This paper provides an overview of the subject through a review of current literature, an examination of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and provides recommendations for creating programming targeting lesbian and gay youth.
Learning Objectives: After attending this session, participants will be able to identify the factors that lead to the increased risk of suicide attempt and depression in lesbian and gay adolescents, recognize, the components of effective support-based interventions for lesbian and gay adolescents and apply strategies to adolescent programs that address the needs of lesbian and gay adolescents.
Keywords: Adolescents, Suicide
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.