A systematic review of depression and anxiety treatments for sexual minority women

Abstract

Abstract Sexual minority women (SMW) participate in higher rates of psychotherapy than their heterosexual counterparts, but little is known about how depression and anxiety interventions can meet the unique needs of these populations. This systematic review identified ten articles that focused on testing, developing, or informing depression and anxiety treatments for SMW. Adaptations to meet the needs of SMW focused on sexual orientation, gender, minority stress, and co-occurring mental health problems. Four studies included empirical evaluations of at least some elements of interventions, with only one of these studies involving a randomized controlled trial with a control group. Six articles, including study protocols and guidelines for interventions, proposed intervention strategies that have not yet been subject to empirical evaluation. The strongest evidence emerged in support of cognitive-behavioral interventions to meet the needs of SMW. Future research should empirically evaluate proposed identity-focused adaptations for treating depression and anxiety among SMW.