Improving the mental health outcomes of Nottingham’s LGBT populations: a rapid evidence assessment

A rapid evidence assessment reviewed available literature on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) mental health in the United Kingdom. An initial search generated 1190 articles and reports, which were subsequently reduced to 40 studies published within the last 10 years. Research consistently shows that LGBT people experience poorer mental health than the rest of the population. The importance of providing services to address these mental health disparities cannot be overstated, but there is a need for greater understanding of how these services can be delivered in a way that is both sensitive to and appropriate for LGBT populations. This review identified examples of good practice in service delivery that offer LGBT specific interventions and provide LGBT support and advice. The report identified significant gaps in evidence about existing service provision nationally and locally, and gaps in knowledge about what quality interventions might be delivered for LGBT people in a UK setting. Further research is also needed to understand the specific issues for trans and non-binary people’s mental health and the development of culturally appropriate models of care for LGBT people in general.