Bans on Same-Sex Marriage May Affect Mental Health

9 Mar, 2010 in Health and Pharmacy News by admin

Bans on Same-Sex Marriage May Affect Mental Health

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FRIDAY, March 5 (HealthDay News) — Gay, lesbian as well as bisexual people existing in states with institutional discrimination — such as bans on same-sex marriage — are at increased risk of psychiatric disorders, says a recent study.

Researchers analyzed data from lesbians, gays as well as bisexuals who were interviewed in 2001-2002 as well as 2004-2005 for the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol as well as Related Conditions. The participants lived in states that instituted constitutional amendments banning gay marriage following the 2004-2005 elections.

The researchers found a significant increase in the prevalence of mood disorders, generalized nervousness disorders as well as alcohol take disorders among lesbians, gays as well as bisexuals after the states banned gay marriage. The greatest increase — more than 200% — was seen in generalized nervousness disorder.

The study findings are published online as well as in the March print issue of the American Journal of Community Health.

“Before this study, little was known about the impact of institutional discrimination toward lesbian, gay as well as bisexual (LGB) individuals in our society,” senior author Deborah Hasin, an epidemiologist at Columbia University as well as the New York State Psychiatric Institute, said in a university news release. “The study highlights the importance of abolishing institutional forms of discrimination, including those leading to disparities in the mental health as well as well-being of LGB individuals.”

The news release states that institutional discrimination “is characterized by societal-level conditions that limit the opportunities as well as access to resources by socially disadvantaged groups.”

– Robert Preidt

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