1
|
Campbell L, Viswanadhan K, Lois B, Dundas M. Emerging Evidence: A Systematic Literature Review of Disordered Eating Among Transgender and Nonbinary Youth. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:18-27. [PMID: 37791928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic literature review explores the evidence base related to the diagnosis and clinical management of eating disorders among transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) youth. Through an exploration of the literature, this review highlights key considerations for providers working with this population, including the complex relationship between body image and gender, the assessment of subthreshold eating disorder symptoms, the impact of gender-affirming care on eating disorder treatment outcomes, and available evidence-based metrics, with attention to factors impacting treatment, including family support, psychiatric comorbidities, and community safety. METHODS We conducted a search of the databases PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE for articles pertaining to eating disorders and TGNB youth, with forward citation chaining conducted via Google Scholar to provide a review of recent publications. Twenty-six articles published from 2017 to 2022 met the criteria for full-text review. RESULTS The selected articles primarily explored data from the United States and varied widely in methodology, including a systematic literature review (n = 1), narrative literature reviews (n = 3), case series (n = 4), case studies (n = 2), cross-sectional population surveys (n = 7), cross-sectional patient surveys (n = 3), other cross-sectional studies (n = 3), retrospective chart reviews (n = 2), and a retrospective longitudinal cohort study (n = 1). Most commonly, researchers sampled patients within the setting of gender clinics. Researchers used a range of validated measures in clinical settings, with the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire most frequently reported. The literature highlights several considerations unique to transgender populations, including the complex relationship between gender dysphoria, body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behavior, and gender-affirming care. DISCUSSION In clinical settings with TGNB youth, providers may consider implementing validated screening measures to assess for eating disorders. Future research should emphasize a nuanced understanding of the heterogeneity among TGNB patient populations and the impact of gender identity on treatment of eating disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Campbell
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York.
| | - Katya Viswanadhan
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Becky Lois
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Melissa Dundas
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zickgraf HF, Garwood SK, Lewis CB, Giedinghagen AM, Reed JL, Linsenmeyer WR. Validation of the Nine-Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Screen Among Transgender and Nonbinary Youth and Young Adults. Transgend Health 2023; 8:159-167. [PMID: 37013088 PMCID: PMC10066774 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2021.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of the study was to provide initial evidence for the internal consistency and convergent validity of the nine-item avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder screen (NIAS) in a sample of transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) youth and young adults. Methods Returning patients at a Midwestern gender clinic (n=164) ages 12-23 completed the NIAS, sick, control, one stone, fat, food (SCOFF), patient health questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), and generalized anxiety disorder 7 (GAD-7) during their clinic visit. Age, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, weight, and height were also collected. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to establish the hypothesized three-factor structure of the NIAS in this sample. Relationships between the NIAS subscales and anthropometric data, SCOFF, PHQ-9, GAD-7, and sex assigned at birth were explored for convergent and divergent validity, and proposed screening cutoff scores were used to identify the prevalence of likely avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in this population. Results The three-factor structure of the NIAS was an excellent fit to the current data. Approximately one in five (22%) of the participants screened positive for ARFID. Approximately one in four participants scored above the picky eating (27.4%) or appetite (23.9%) cutoffs. Assigned female at birth participants scored significantly higher on the NIAS-Total, Appetite, and Fear subscales than those assigned male at birth. NIAS-Total was significantly related to all convergent validity variables other than age, with a moderate-strong correlation with other symptom screeners (SCOFF, PHQ-9, GAD-7), and a small negative correlation with body mass index percentile. Conclusions Evidence supports the NIAS as a valid measure to screen for ARFID among TGNB youth and young adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah K. Garwood
- Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christopher B. Lewis
- Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Andrea M. Giedinghagen
- Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jamie L. Reed
- Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lerario M, Galis A. The Inclusion of Historically Oppressed Genders in Neurologic Practice Research. Neurol Clin Pract 2022; 12:187-189. [DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000001176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Neurology: Clinical Practice, Dr. Qureshi et al. present a case of a transgender man of child-bearing age with a reported body mass index of 37 who presents with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).1 The authors conclude that exogenous testosterone as part of a gender-affirming hormone regimen may be a potential mechanism for his diagnosis of IIH, based on prior evidence that disorders in androgen metabolism may influence cerebrospinal fluid production.2 The authors additionally report multiple similar case reports in the literature of transmasculine patients with IIH.
Collapse
|
4
|
Kean AC, Saroufim R, Meininger E, Fuqua JS, Fortenberry JD. Cardiovascular Health of Youth During Gender-Affirming Testosterone Treatment: A Review. J Adolesc Health 2021; 69:896-904. [PMID: 34627656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many birth-assigned female/transgender male and nonbinary people (identified as masculine spectrum here) begin gender-affirming testosterone therapy by the age of 24 years. Few data inform assessment of cardiovascular health of masculine spectrum youth as a specific subgroup of the 1.5 million transgender people in the United States. The purpose of this review is to help youth-serving practitioners consider, understand, and evaluate cardiovascular health in adolescent and young adult masculine spectrum patients receiving gender-affirming testosterone treatment. METHODS This is a narrative review intended to synthesize a broad body of clinical and research literature. RESULTS Common cardiovascular health changes associated with testosterone include increased red blood cell mass and likely insignificant changes in high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein levels. Changes in heart mass, heart electrophysiology, and endothelial reactivity are likely, based on extrapolation of data from adults. Testosterone may have indirect effects on cardiovascular health through influences on depression, anxiety, stress, and anorexia nervosa as well as on behaviors such as tobacco use. CONCLUSIONS Testosterone contributes importantly to the cardiovascular health and well-being of masculine spectrum gender-diverse youth. We need to do a better job of supporting these young people with data on cardiovascular health over the life span.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam C Kean
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Rita Saroufim
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Eric Meininger
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - John S Fuqua
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - J Dennis Fortenberry
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Linsenmeyer WR, Katz IM, Reed JL, Giedinghagen AM, Lewis CB, Garwood SK. Disordered Eating, Food Insecurity, and Weight Status Among Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Youth and Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Using a Nutrition Screening Protocol. LGBT Health 2021; 8:359-366. [PMID: 34097472 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of and relationships among disordered eating, food insecurity, and weight status among transgender and gender nonbinary youth and young adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved a screening protocol to assess disordered eating and food insecurity risk from September to December of 2019 at a gender clinic using five validated measures: (1) previous eating disorder diagnosis (yes/no); (2) Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food Questionnaire (SCOFF); (3) Adolescent Binge Eating Disorder Questionnaire (ADO-BED); (4) Nine-Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Screen (NIAS); and (5) Hunger Vital Sign. Age, assigned sex at birth, gender identity, stage of medical transition, and body mass index were collected. Pearson's r correlation coefficients, between-groups t-tests, one-way analysis of variance tests, and Tukey's honest significant difference test were used to characterize the relationships between variables. Results: A total of 164 participants ages 12-23 years completed the screener. Using assigned sex at birth, 1.8% were underweight, 53% were a healthy weight, 17.1% were overweight, and 28.0% were obese. An estimated 8.7% reported a previous eating disorder diagnosis, 28.0% screened positive on the SCOFF, 9.1% on the ADO-BED, 75.0% on the NIAS, and 21.2% on the Hunger Vital Sign. Transgender males scored higher on the NIAS than transgender females (p = 0.03). Those with a previous eating disorder diagnosis scored significantly higher on the Hunger Vital Sign (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Gender clinics should routinely screen for disordered eating, food insecurity, overweight, and obesity to identify patients in need of further evaluation and referral.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Whitney R Linsenmeyer
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ian M Katz
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Jamie L Reed
- Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Andrea M Giedinghagen
- Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christopher B Lewis
- Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sarah K Garwood
- Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mirabella M, Giovanardi G, Fortunato A, Senofonte G, Lombardo F, Lingiardi V, Speranza AM. The Body I Live in. Perceptions and Meanings of Body Dissatisfaction in Young Transgender Adults: A Qualitative Study. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113733. [PMID: 33233761 PMCID: PMC7699932 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Body dissatisfaction in individuals with Gender Incongruence (GI) represents a primary source of suffering. Several studies have highlighted how this suffering has psychological, physical, and biological implications. This work aims to explore experiences related to body dissatisfaction and investigate the issues associated with living in a body perceived as incongruent for individuals with GI. Thirty-six individuals, aged between 18 and 30 years old and at stage T0 of hormone treatment, participated in the study. Body dissatisfaction and experiences related to it were investigated using the Clinical Diagnostic Interview. The Consensual Qualitative Research methodology was applied to the transcripts of the interviews. Several themes emerged: experiences with GI development, experiences with puberty and bodily changes, perception of one’s body, psychological problems and complex behavioral patterns related to body dissatisfaction. Results pointed out the complexity implied in the relationship with one’s body for individuals with GI, highlighting specific aspects of body dissatisfaction among these individuals (e.g., eating disorders, sexual difficulties, social withdrawal). This study underlines the need for a deeper understanding of some aspects of GI to better define guidelines for a correct assessment of it. In this way it will be easier to avoid negative outcomes for the psychological and general health of transgender people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mirabella
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Roma, Italy; (G.G.); (A.F.); (V.L.); (A.M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-340-986-7587
| | - Guido Giovanardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Roma, Italy; (G.G.); (A.F.); (V.L.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Alexandro Fortunato
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Roma, Italy; (G.G.); (A.F.); (V.L.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Giulia Senofonte
- Laboratory of Seminology, Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini,” Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (G.S.); (F.L.)
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology, Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini,” Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (G.S.); (F.L.)
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Roma, Italy; (G.G.); (A.F.); (V.L.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Anna Maria Speranza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Roma, Italy; (G.G.); (A.F.); (V.L.); (A.M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|