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Transgender and gender-diverse people at higher risk of mental disorders and suicide

Embargoed until: Publicly released:
Peer-reviewed: This work was reviewed and scrutinised by relevant independent experts.

Observational study: A study in which the subject is observed to see if there is a relationship between two or more things (eg: the consumption of diet drinks and obesity). Observational studies cannot prove that one thing causes another, only that they are linked.

People: This is a study based on research using people.

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Canadian scientists compared the prevalence and risk of mental disorders, substance use disorders and suicidal behaviors between trans and gender-diverse Canadians and their cisgender compatriots.  The study included nearly 10,000 people, around half of who identified as trans or gender-diverse.  The risk of mental disorders, substance use disorders, and suicidal behaviors was higher among the trans or gender-diverse group, particularly when it came to having a plan for suicide or having attempted suicide.  The authors suggest the increased risks may be due, at least in part, to experiencing prejudice and harassment throughout life.

Journal/conference: JAMA Network Open

Research: Paper

Organisation/s: University of Ottawa, Canada

Funder: This research was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (grant PJT 195898).

Media release

From: JAMA

Mental Disorders and Suicidality in Transgender and Gender-Diverse People

About The Study: This study found a higher prevalence of mental disorders and suicidal behavior in transgender and gender diverse people compared with the cisgender population. This finding aligns with other studies, which have found significantly higher rates of mental health–related health service use among transgender people compared with the general population.

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