Citation

Hatzenbuehler ML. JAMA Pediatr. 2017; 171(4): 322.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, American Medical Association)

DOI

10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.4732

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents aged 15 to 24 years. Youth who are sexual minorities (ie, those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual [LGB]; report persistent same-sex attractions; or engage in same-sex sexual behavior) represent one of the groups at highest risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. A review of more than 2 decades of research indicated that LGB youths are between 2 and 7 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. Recently released data from the first nationally representative study of LGB high school students indicated that more than 40% of LGB adolescents have seriously considered suicide, and 29% reported having attempted suicide, during the past 12 months (compared with only 15% and 6% of heterosexual adolescents, respectively). Identifying the determinants of sexual orientation disparities in suicidality among adolescents therefore represents a significant public health priority.

Language: en