Reacción a "A comprehensive scientific review confirms inequalities in mental health amongst LGBTQIA+ people"

The article presents a review of 22 systematic reviews, a highly robust methodology for generating and consolidating scientific evidence. The findings are clear: the LGBTIQA+ population experiences poorer mental health outcomes. Furthermore, it includes comparative data for adolescents and adults, as well as comparisons amongst the different members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

There is strong evidence of a higher prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-harm or suicide attempts (particularly amongst young people), as well as eating disorders and issues with body image or post-traumatic stress (which is particularly prevalent amongst the trans population). The study links these findings to exposure to trauma and childhood trauma, discrimination and bullying, and other life stressors such as family rejection, victimisation due to their identity, or the risk of difficulties accessing housing.

Furthermore, the LGTBIQA+ population faces stigma and discrimination within the healthcare system, which acts as a barrier to accessing healthcare and mental health prevention, leading to a risk of lack of access to treatment or a high risk of suicide.

It is worth noting that trans, intersex and non-binary people are under-represented in systematic reviews specifically focusing on these groups, which highlights the need for further research to better understand their realities. Nevertheless, the evidence generated by these studies is quite robust, including large-scale studies with a low risk of bias.

In summary, the study brings together evidence on how the social discrimination and stigma experienced by the LGTBIQA+ population lead to poorer mental health, with a higher risk of suicide and greater psychological and physical suffering. A healthcare system that is welcoming and respectful towards the LGTBIQA+ population would act as a protective factor for their mental health.