Bisexuals are more likely than homosexuals or heterosexuals to develop mental health problems, according to a new Australian study.

The study published on Wednesday revealed that participants who identified as bisexual had the deepest feelings of anxiety, depression and negativity.

"It is possible that having neither a clear heterosexual or homosexual orientation is an important stressor, in addition to the social pressures of having a different sexual orientation to the majority," the study's authors reported in the May issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry.

The study suggests that the risk factors for mental health in bisexuals are due to the adverse experiences in childhood and adulthood, poorer social support and financial problems.

The research, prepared by the PATH Through Life Project, is part of a 20-year study into adult mental health. The 4,824 young and middle-aged participants were surveyed in Canberra, Australia for three years.

Of the participants in the 20-24 age range, 1.8 percent of men and 2.7 percent of women identified as bisexual while in the 40-44 age range, 0.8 percent of men and women said they were bisexual.