Suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt and non-suicidal self-harm amongst lesbian, gay and bisexual adults compared with heterosexual adults: analysis of data from two nationally representative English household surveys

PurposeWe aimed to compare differences in suicidality and self-harm between specific lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) groups, and investigate whether minority stress factors might contribute to any associations, addressing methodological limitations of previous research.MethodsWe analysed data combined from two population-based representative household surveys of English adults (N = 10,443) sampled in 2007 and 2014. Using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, educational attainment, area-level deprivation, and common mental disorder, we tested the association between sexuality and three suicide-related outcomes: past-year suicidal thoughts, past-year suicide attempt, and lifetime non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH). We added bullying and discrimination (separately) to final models to explore whether these variables might mediate the associations. We tested for interactions with gender and survey year.ResultsLesbian/gay people were more likely to report past-year suicidal thoughts [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.20; 95% CI 1.08-4.50] than heterosexuals. No minority group had an increased probability of suicide attempt. Bisexual (AOR = 3.02; 95% CI = 1.78-5.11) and lesbian/gay (AOR = 3.19; 95% CI = 1.73-5.88) individuals were more likely to report lifetime NSSH than heterosexuals. There was some evidence to support a contribution of bullying in the association between lesbian/gay identity and past-year suicidal thoughts, and of each minority stress variable in the associations with NSSH. There was no interaction with gender or survey year.ConclusionSpecific LGB groups are at elevated risk of suicidal thoughts and NSSH, with a possible contribution of lifetime bullying and homophobic discrimination. These disparities show no temporal shift despite apparent increasing societal tolerance towards sexual minorities.

Automated summary

We analyzed data from two representative surveys of English adults and found differences in suicidality and self-harm among specific lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) groups. We also investigated the role of minority stress factors in these associations, addressing previous methodological limitations.