The latest release from Otago University's long-running Christchurch Health and Development Study continues to show a strong link between sexual orientation and mental health problems. Researchers examined a sample of nearly 1000 Christchurch born young people. 3% were predominantly homosexual, and a further 10% reported some same sex attraction or experience. The research paper reports that members of the group who experienced same-sex attraction were also much more likely to experience general anxiety, depression, conduct disorder, suicidal thoughts and substance abuse. There was little or no difference between male or female subjects in this group. Homosexual males are reported to have five times the rate of mental health problems than heterosexual males in the study. Lesbians are reported to have twice the likelihood of problems than heterosexual females. Although these findings reflect concern throughout the international gay community about the link between same-sex attraction and mental illness, researchers say the background reasons for this link remain to be established. "While it seems likely that factors such as social discrimination and homophobia may play a role in mental health problems with this group, there may also be other social and lifestyle factors that place gay, lesbian and bisexual young people at great risk of mental health problems and suicidal behaviours."