Assessing the Applicability of E-Therapies for Depression, Anxiety, and Other Mood Disorders Among Lesbians and Gay Men: Analysis of 24 Web- and Mobile Phone-Based Self-Help Interventions

Abstract

BackgroundLesbians and gay men have disproportionately high rates of depression and anxiety, and report lower satisfaction with treatments. In part, this may be because many health care options marginalize them by assuming heterosexuality, or misunderstand and fail to respond to the challenges specifically faced by these groups. E-therapies have particular potential to respond to the mental health needs of lesbians and gay men, but there is little research to determine whether they do so, or how they might be improved.ObjectiveWe sought to examine the applicability of existing mental health e-therapies for lesbians and gay men.MethodsWe reviewed 24 Web- and mobile phone-based e-therapies and assessed their performance in eight key areas, including the use of inclusive language and content and whether they addressed mental health stressors for lesbians and gay men, such as experiences of stigma related to their sexual orientation, coming out, and relationship issues that are specific to lesbians and gay men.ResultsWe found that e-therapies seldom addressed these stressors. Furthermore, 58% (14/24) of therapies contained instances that assumed or suggested the user was heterosexual, with instances especially prevalent among better-evidenced programs.ConclusionsOur findings, and a detailed review protocol presented in this article, may be used as guides for the future development of mental health e-therapies to better accommodate the needs of lesbians and gay men.

A qualitative study of sexual minority young people’s experiences of computerised therapy for depression

“…We concur with Rozbroj and colleagues that e-therapies need to address the specific needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual or sexual minority people, so that these unique sub-populations can benefit from the rise of e-therapies. 17 We hope this rise will become a positive step towards reducing the disparities in mental health between heterosexual and non-heterosexual populations. 17 In the future we hope to modify Rainbow SPARX, incorporating the changes suggested by our study participants, and subsequently conduct a randomised controlled trial of the program.…”

“…17 We hope this rise will become a positive step towards reducing the disparities in mental health between heterosexual and non-heterosexual populations. 17 In the future we hope to modify Rainbow SPARX, incorporating the changes suggested by our study participants, and subsequently conduct a randomised controlled trial of the program.…”

mHealth VR Can Transform Mental Health

“…This is helpful, as would be VR video that guides the user through social interactions, helping to self-regulate breathing and heart rate. 3 …”

“…Since lesbians and gay men have disproportionately high rates of depression and anxiety, it is important to develop apps to accommodate better mental health stressors specific to lesbians and gay men. 3 Mobile apps may also be used to help reduce health disparities. In one study, for those older than 65 years of age, a strong association was shown between perceived stigma and reluctance to seek out treatment.…”

Out & Online; effectiveness of a tailored online multi-symptom mental health and wellbeing program for same-sex attracted young adults: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…In addition to higher rates of mental health problems compared to heterosexual youth and young adults, SSAYA also face greater barriers to accessing help such as feeling that mental health care services marginalise them by assuming heterosexuality and do not adequately assist them to address challenges unique to being same-sex attracted such as stigma and 'coming out' [ 27 ]. These barriers are intensified for SSAYA living in rural or regional areas where they have less access to relevant information, resources, support and services than their city peers.…”