Depending on how parents respond, coming out of the closet may be good or bad for the health of lesbians, gays and bisexuals (LGB) a new study shows. Gay and Bisexual men in particular increase risk prone behavior when parents do not support them the study revealed.

The level of risk related conditions and behaviors such as depression and substance abuse are traditionally higher among LGB youth. The new study, which was published in the journal Homosexuality, explored whether coming out of the closet — and the negative reaction of parents — might increase risky behavior among LGB's. The study surveyed 5,658 Massachusetts adults, ages 18-64 years, using a statewide surveillance system. Three out of four LGB adults informed their parents of their sexual preferences. The average age for doing so was 25 according to the study.

The study revealed that coming out of the closet to parents and then not receiving parental acceptance and support had unfavorable health outcomes. Parental rejection lead to significant increases in depression and alcohol and drug abuse according to study participants. However, there was a significant health risk disparity between the women and the men. Gay and bisexual men who did not receive parental support were more depressed and binge drank at a higher rate than the lesbian and bisexual women who were rejected by their parents.

"It's possible that the stress of not disclosing your sexuality to your parents affects men and women differently," explained Boston University School of Public Health researcher Emily Rothman, ScD. "In general, gay and bisexual men may be able to conduct their sexual lives apart from their parents with less stress."

Dr. Rothman, who is a professor of community health sciences, added that given the high rates of suicide and self-harm among lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) youth--and the financial costs of treating mental-health and substance-abuse disorders—it's critical to understand what needs to be done to promote better health for LGB children.