Depression Among Lesbians:

Abstract

Despite the research emphasis on depression among women, there has been virtually no focus on depression among lesbians. This article reviews evidence for factors that might place lesbians at increased risk for depression as well as factors that would protect lesbians for depression. Additionally, it dicesses the research on suicide attempts, alcoholism, and phyical and sexual abuse of lesbians, all disorders related to depression. Homophobia, the comingout process, and the lesbian community are presented as issues not faced by heterosexual women. Depression among lesbians who are non-white, not middle class, and not young adults is discussed. Finally, the article presents evidence for the role of therapist and self-help groups in affecting depression rates among lesbians.