The Relationship Between C-Reactive Protein and Depression is Partially Moderated by Sexual Identity Among Bisexuals

Abstract

Sexual minorities (SM) are at increased risk for inflammation and experience higher rates of depression at younger ages relative to heterosexuals. In this analysis, we aimed to delineate the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and severity of depressive symptoms and to determine if this relationship is moderated by sexual identity. Data came from National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES), 2015–2016. Survey weighted regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between CRP and depressive symptoms. Broadly, elevated CRP was predictive of more depressive symptoms among women but not among men. The relationship between CRP and depression was moderated by sexual identity for bisexual women and men but no other sexual minority subgroups. This analysis demonstrates that CRP is predictive of depression symptom severity, and that this relationship was moderated by sexual identity among bisexual individuals. Future research should focus on better characterizing the relationship between stigma and discrimination, inflammation, and depression in bisexuals, and work to decrease experiences of stigma and other psychosocial stressors in both clinical and community settings.