The same gay teens who are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers also have higher rates for depression and alcohol abuse, says a UC Davis researcher.

In a study in this week's American Journal of Public Health, Stephen Russell, a 4-H youth development specialist, analyzed a national survey of teens for rates of depression, hopelessness, substance abuse, victimization, and suicide attempts by family members or friends.

"We know that these kids are very depressed, and one reason is they feel they are not meeting their family's expectations," Russell says. "It has been suggested that for gay and lesbian youth concealing their sexual identities, alcohol may be used to numb the related anxiety and depression."

Russell found that girls attracted to the same sex but who did not identify as lesbian might be at greatest risk for suicide. Russell said these girls' ambivalence about their sexual identity may lead to hopelessness and depression. He reports boys attracted to the same sex reported more family suicides or attempted suicides, while girls attracted to the same sex reported more friends who had committed or attempted suicide.

Russell, who educates youth-services professionals and volunteers, says the study will help those working with teens to prevent suicide and facilitate healthier sexual development.

"How often do we acknowledge that becoming a sexual human being is not easy?" Russell says. "As one of the fundamental developmental challenges during adolescence, it is both compelling and exciting as well as anxiety-producing -- for teens AND their parents."