Background: The period from 2009 to 2019 has seen a lot of conversation about issues of LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ questioning, intersex, asexual, and others) individuals in India, but they continue to be a group showing poor health equity. Objective: This descriptive content review attempted to explore 5 questions: what is the nature of existing research on mental health of LGBTQIA+ individuals, what are the pathways that contribute to mental health issues, whether the existing health facilities mitigate or facilitate these pathways, what are the interventions proposed for this group, and what are the gaps in research that can be addressed in the next decade. Method: “Mental health aspects” were described as variables relevant to understanding individuals’ cognitions, emotions, and behavior. We searched for literature in online journal databases, in archives of the most prominent journals, on websites of prominent LGBTQIA+ organizations, and through cross-referencing of papers obtained. The data were abstracted and coded into themes and subthemes. We found 22 reviews and reports, 4 viewpoints and comments, 7 editorials, 1 conference proceeding, and 60 original articles. Conclusions: Prevalence studies reveal that LGBTQIA+ individuals were found to show high rates of mental health concerns, and that the adapted minority stress model may be a crucial pathway for the same. Lived experiences, factors related to mental well-being, and societal attitudes have also been studied. Intervention studies are relatively fewer, and certain subgroups of LGBTQIA+ identities are less represented in research. Gaps in research were identified and recommendations for research in the coming decade were proposed.

Background: There are few published research studies documenting intervention modalities used with LGBTQIA+ individuals in India. This is a pilot study documenting possibly the first of its kind therapy group named SAAHAS based in Mumbai. Methodology: SAAHAS was a free, open group for therapy meant for queer individuals. The therapeutic approach used was queer affirmative cognitive behavior therapy. Facilitators were queer psychologists. A survey was conducted to assess the needs of potential participants. Recruitment protocol, group, and session formats and structures are described here. Evaluation was primarily through anonymous participant feedback. Results: A total of 71 participants completed the intake survey, 28 participants attended at least one group session, and 78% of these were cis-gay men, with low representation of lesbian, bisexual women and transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. Over one year, 12 monthly sessions were conducted. Feedback suggested that the participants liked the group, found it to be a safe space, and reported an improvement in mental health, reduction of distress, reduction of feelings of isolation, and acquisition of knowledge and skills to tackle problems faced by queer people. Peer support, safe space, expert-cum-peer facilitator stance, and queer affirmative cognitive behavior therapy-based therapeutic approach may have contributed to group efficacy. Conclusion: The SAAHAS therapy group experience provides a useful low-cost therapeutic framework for queer individuals in India.

Background: Personality psychopathology, substance abuse, family of origin experiences, and patriarchal attitudes are variables associated with intimate partner violence. Aim: This pilot study aimed to explore clinical and personality profiles and psychosocial variables in a small cohort of male perpetrators of intimate partner violence. Methodology: 20 men from informal settlements presenting to crisis counseling centers in Mumbai were administered the Millon Clinical Mulitiaxial Inventory III, the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale Short Form, and the Attitudes toward Women scale. Results: Millon Clinical Mulitiaxial Inventory III profiles and scores on Grossman Facet scales suggest personality psychopathology in the profiles of 95% of the men, and 85% reported anxiety. Less than 20% reported substance abuse. The men reported mutuality of violence in the relationship and espoused moderately liberal attitudes toward women. 55% of them reported violence in the family of origin. Conclusion: Our findings are helpful in providing therapeutic pointers for working with male perpetrators of violence.

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Parenting is a crucial life role for individuals with mental illness. However, relatively little research has explored how the parents view themselves in the parenting role. In this study, we compared individuals between the age group of 30 to 50 years who had been diagnosed with any Axis I disorder (DSM IV TR) of at least 2 years duration but were currently in remission and were high functioning (GAF above 60), with individuals with no prior history of psychiatric illness. We studied two variables- Parenting Efficacy, as measured by scores on the Parenting Efficacy subscale of the Parental Locus of Control Scale (Campis, Lyman and Prentice Dunn, 1986), and Parenting Nurturance, as measured by the Nurturance subscale of the Child Rearing Practices Report- Modified (Rickel and Biasitti, 1982). The two groups showed significant differences in scores on both measures- for Parenting Efficacy, t(38) =1.87, p<0.04, and for Nurturance, t(38) =2.07, p<0.03, with those with psychiatric diagnoses scoring lower on both. The results are discussed in terms of internalised stigma and real and perceived skill deficits. The findings have implications for psychosocial rehabilitation of parents with mental illness and community awareness programmes.