Gays, Bisexuals Seek More Psych Services

Gays, lesbians and bisexuals are about twice as likely as heterosexuals to seek treatment for mental health issues or substance abuse, a U.S. study finds.

Researchers analyzed data from 2,074 people who took part in the large-scale California Health Interview Survey and found that 48.5 percent of gays, lesbians, bisexuals reported receiving mental health or substance abuse treatment in the past year, compared to 22.5 percent of heterosexuals.

The study also found that lesbian and bisexual women were most likely to receive treatment while heterosexual men were least likely.

"It is well known that health services utilization is greater among women generally. Here we have shown that minority sexual orientation is also an important consideration. Lesbians and bisexual women appear to be approximately twice as likely as heterosexual women to report having received recent treatment for mental health or substance use disorders," study author Susan Cochran said in a news release.

Greater exposure to discrimination, violence and other stressful life events may explain why gays, lesbians and bisexuals are more likely to seek treatment for these disorders, she said.

"The pervasive and historically rooted societal pathologizing of homosexuality may contribute to this propensity for treatment by construing homosexuality and issues associated with it as mental health problems," Cochran said.

Health Tip: Avoiding Shin Splints

Shin splints are fairly common among athletes and people engaging in other forms of strenuous exercise. The injury is characterized by pain and soreness running down the large bone in the lower leg.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers this list of common risk factors for shin splints:

• Having foot abnormalities, such as flat feet or rigid arches.
• Jogging or running for exercise.
• Dancing strenuously.
• Training for the military.
• Suddenly increasing exercise, including intensity and duration.

VIAGRA is pills to treat erectile dysfunction

Generic Name: sildenafil (oral) (sil DEN uh fil)

Viagra relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body.
Sildenafil under the name Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men. Another brand of sildenafil is Revatio, which is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and improve exercise capacity in men and women.
Viagra may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.