Mental health of LGBTQ+ people during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to analyse available literature on the mental health of LGBTQ+ people during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsFor this scoping review, six electronic databases were searched in three broad topic areas (the COVID-19 pandemic, LGBTQ+ people, mental health) in April 2022. The search yielded 4,285 studies, and after screening them, 61 studies were included in the final review, which were thematically analysed.ResultsResults were organised according to four themes: comparative effects of the pandemic on LGBTQ+ and heterosexual cisgender people's mental health; mental health impacts; differences in the mental health among LGBTQ+ people; and protective and risk factors. LGBTQ+ people's mental health was disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, particularly when compared to heterosexual and cisgender people. Some sub-populations of LGBTQ+ people were impacted more than others, such as bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people. Depression, anxiety, and stress/distress were the most salient mental health issues, though loneliness, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and COVID-related fears were also prevalent. LGBTQ+ people used substances, social media, dating apps, and pornography to cope with the pandemic.DiscussionGaps in the literature and study limitations are identified, and recommendations for policy, health services, and future research are offered.