Suicide and sexual orientation

Unequivocal evidence attests to a relationship between suicidality and sexual orientation. Sexual orientation refers to an individual's tendency to be attracted to opposite-sex or samesex partners and exists along a continuum ranging from exclusive heterosexuality to exclusive homosexuality respectively, and encompassing varying forms of bisexuality. Extensive psychiatric research demonstrates the absence of any psychopathology or behavioral problems intrinsic to homosexual orientation (Herek, et al., 2007). Nonetheless, research reveals disproportionately high rates of mental health morbidity (particularly depression, suicidality and substance use) among lesbian, gay male and bisexual (LGB) individuals compared with heterosexual populations (Russell, 2003; Hillier, et al., 2005; McNair, et al., 2005; Pitts, et al., 2006; Sandfort, et al., 2006).