Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Youth Suicide Victims: an Exploratory Study

55 child & adolescent suicide victims & 55 community controls in Quebec were assessed using semi-structured, proxy-based interviews & questionnaires regarding sexual orientation & gender issues, psychopathological diagnoses, & service use. No significant differences between the 2 groups were found regarding same-sex sexual orientation nor intimidation related to same-sex sexual orientation. Suicide victims with same-sex sexual orientation were more likely than suicide victims without same-sex sexual orientation to meet criteria for anxiety disorders. Within the month preceding their deaths, these youth were more likely to have consulted a health professional as well as having been hospitalized. (17 refs.)