Trans depression study begins

Research into the state of mental health in Australia’s transgender community has begun in Western Australia after receiving critical funding.

Researchers from Western Australia’s Curtin University and University of WA received more than $160,000 from national depression body beyondblue to gain a national snapshot of the mental health of transgender and transsexual people across the country.

Most existing research into this area has been conducted while surveying the wider LGBTI community or overseas research.

Curtin University’s Dr Zoe Hyde will lead the investigation and said there was growing evidence that trans people experienced disparities in several important areas of health compared to the general community.

“In particular, trans people are more likely to experience mental health problems (notably depression and anxiety), use alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs, and think about or attempt suicide,” she said.

Hyde said the findings could help shape mental health campaigns for transgender people.