Exposure to multiple traumatic events at a young age may be contributing to the increased rates of PTSD among sexual minorities: 45% of sexual minority women and 28% of sexual minority men experienced violence or abuse in childhood, whereas 21% of women and 20% of men in the general population experience violence or abuse in childhood. The researchers suggest five mechanisms for the increased risk of victimization and PTSD among sexual minorities:

Hate crimes--almost one-third of sexual minority adults in the U.S. report being victims of a hate crime Gender non-conforming behavior in childhood, which increases risk of being bullied and victimized Social isolation and discrimination due to sexual minority orientation Elevated risk-taking behavior stemming from social isolation and perceived stigma Limited access to mental health care

The authors urge that health care providers and families be aware that sexual minorities face a greater risk of violence and PTSD and may have a history of trauma that should be addressed before it becomes mentally debilitating.

This study was supported by the Harvard Training Program in Psychiatric Genetics and Translational Research, the U.S. Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, and the National Institutes of Health.

"Pervasive Trauma Exposure Among US Sexual Orientation Minority Adults and Risk of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder," Andrea L. Roberts, S. Bryn Austin, Heather L. Corliss, Ashley K. Vandermorris, Karestan C. Koenen, American Journal of Public Health, online April 15, 2010.

Source: Harvard School of Public Health