According to Psycom, depression is a common serious mood disorder that results in symptoms of persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities (Truschel, 2018). About 9.5% of American adults over the age of 18 will suffer from a depressive illness each year (Johns Hopkins, 2023). If we look at a smaller demographic, we can see that “between 30 and 60% of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender people deal with anxiety and depression at some point in their lives” (ADAA, 2023). Since individuals in the LGBTQ+ community have these high rates of anxiety and depression, primary care providers should be carefully observing these patients.
The article, The Impact of Primary Care Providers’ Bias on Depression Screening for Lesbian Women sheds some light on this issue. In this study, providers’ implicit and explicit biases were measured, as well as the decision to screen for depression. The study focused on 195 participants who could speak and read English, currently practicing as a PCP in Kentucky, and had access to the internet. This study was web-based, and included demographic characteristics, a clinical vignette, a sexuality IAT, and explicit bias measures. The clinical vignette was used to determine whether or not participants ordered a depression screening. The sexuality IAT was used to measure implicit biases that participants may not be aware of. Explicit bias measures were used to assess the PCP’s attitude toward lesbian women.
After completion of the study, results showed that PCPs preferred straight women. Most of the PCPs did not recommend depression screening for the lesbian patients, even though it is recommended by the USPSTF. Explicit and implicit bias may be the reason for this discrepancy. Another explanation may have to do with depression screening in the general population. The PCPs in the study may not be recommending screening to anyone, not just the lesbian population. This study sheds light on the issue of equal care for all groups of people, no matter their sexual orientation, race, biological sex, etc.
There is prejudice and bias in most life aspects. The LGBTQ+ community is already at a higher risk for developing serious mental illness, which can become worse without routine screening for illnesses like depression. PCPs should advocate for their LGBTQ+ patients, and treat them with the same respect as others.
Sources:
Anxiety & Depression Association of America. (2023, September 9). Understanding Anxiety and Depression for LGBTQ People. https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/understanding-anxiety-and-depression-lgbtq
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023). Mental Health Disorder Statistics. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics
Truschel, J. (2018, July 24). Depression Definition and DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria. Psycom. https://www.psycom.net/depression/major-depressive-disorder/dsm-5-depression-criteria
Sha, S. & Aleshire, M. (2023). The impact of primary care providers’ bias on depression screening for lesbian women. Health Promotion Practice, 24(3), 536=545. DOI: 10.1177/15248399211066079