Suicidality risk among adult sexual minorities: Results from a cross-sectional population-based survey

Abstract

Suicide among sexual minority adults is a serious public health issue. Data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (2015–2018) were analyzed to evaluate factors associated with past-year suicidality risk (thoughts, plans, or attempts) and self-reported sexual identity. Findings support previous research that sexual minority groups have a higher risk of suicidality compared to heterosexuals. Additionally, significant within-group gender differences were found for bisexuals with reported past-year suicide attempts. The risk ratio trajectory from suicidal ideation to suicidal attempt was the most striking for the gay and lesbian group compared to other populations. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• NSDUH
• sexual identity
• sexual minority
• sexual orientation
• suicidality
• suicide attempts
• suicide plans
• suicide thoughts

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Illicit drug or alcohol abuse and dependence in the NSDUH were based on criteria in the American Psychiatric Association’s (1994) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (SAMHSA, 2019b).