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Heinen CS. Medical Management of Gender Diversity. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 2024; 36:151-159. [PMID: 38281895 DOI: 10.1016/j.coms.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
This article provides context on the experiences and medical care of individuals who experience gender dysphoria for the benefit of oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The mechanism of action, effects, and side effects of medical therapies used for gender-affirming care are reviewed. Specific guidance for anesthetic care is given. Trauma-informed tools for care of transgender and gender-diverse patients are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne S Heinen
- Family Medicine and Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Avenue, Box 359930, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
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Turan Ş, Özulucan MT, Karataş U, Kavla Y, Koyuncu O, Durcan E, Durcan G, Bağhaki S. The effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy and mastectomy on psychopathology, body image, and quality of life in adults with gender dysphoria who were assigned female at birth. Qual Life Res 2024:10.1007/s11136-024-03664-6. [PMID: 38656406 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-024-03664-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Individuals with gender dysphoria (GD) may request hormone therapy and various surgical operations to change their physical characteristics. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of two treatments, mastectomy and gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), on adults with GD who were assigned female at birth (GD AFAB). METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we gathered data from a total of 269 individuals in three groups: (a) untreated group (n = 121), (b) GAHT group (n = 84) who had been receiving treatment for at least 6 months, and (c) GAHT-MAST group (n = 64) who had been using GAHT for at least 6 months and had undergone mastectomy at least 3 months prior. All participants were asked to complete the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Questionnaire- Brief Form, Turkish Version (WHOQOL-BREF-Tr). RESULTS We found that individuals in the untreated group had higher psychopathological symptoms and body uneasiness scores, and lower quality of life scores compared to both GAHT and GAHT-MAST groups. There was no difference in psychopathology between the GAHT-MAST group and the GAHT group, but body uneasiness scores were lower, and quality of life scores were higher in the GAHT-MAST group. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that individuals receiving GAHT improved mental health, body satisfaction, and overall quality of life. Combining mastectomy with GAHT may further enhance these benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şenol Turan
- Department of Psychiatry, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| | - Mahmut Taha Özulucan
- Graduate School of Health Science, Neuroscience PhD Program, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Uğur Karataş
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Yasin Kavla
- Department of Psychiatry, Hınıs State Hospital, Erzurum, Türkiye
| | - Oğuzhan Koyuncu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Emre Durcan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Gizem Durcan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Semih Bağhaki
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Calcaterra V, Tornese G, Zuccotti G, Staiano A, Cherubini V, Gaudino R, Fazzi EM, Barbi E, Chiarelli F, Corsello G, Esposito SMR, Ferrara P, Iughetti L, Laforgia N, Maghnie M, Marseglia G, Perilongo G, Pettoello-Mantovani M, Ruggieri M, Russo G, Salerno M, Striano P, Valerio G, Wasniewska M. Adolescent gender dysphoria management: position paper from the Italian Academy of Pediatrics, the Italian Society of Pediatrics, the Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, the Italian Society of Adolescent Medicine and the Italian Society of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:73. [PMID: 38637868 PMCID: PMC11025175 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01644-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the imperative need for standardized support for adolescent Gender Dysphoria (GD), the Italian Academy of Pediatrics, in collaboration with the Italian Society of Pediatrics, the Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Italian Society of Adolescent Medicine and Italian Society of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry is drafting a position paper. The purpose of this paper is to convey the author's opinion on the topic, offering foundational information on potential aspects of gender-affirming care and emphasizing the care and protection of children and adolescents with GD. MAIN BODY Recognizing that adolescents may choose interventions based on their unique needs and goals and understanding that every individual within this group has a distinct trajectory, it is crucial to ensure that each one is welcomed and supported. The approach to managing individuals with GD is a multi-stage process involving a multidisciplinary team throughout all phases. Decisions regarding treatment should be reached collaboratively by healthcare professionals and the family, while considering the unique needs and circumstances of the individual and be guided by scientific evidence rather than biases or ideologies. Politicians and high court judges should address discrimination based on gender identity in legislation and support service development that aligns with the needs of young people. It is essential to establish accredited multidisciplinary centers equipped with the requisite skills and experience to effectively manage adolescents with GD, thereby ensuring the delivery of high-quality care. CONCLUSION Maintaining an evidence-based approach is essential to safeguard the well-being of transgender and gender diverse adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milano, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tornese
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milano, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via GB Grassi, n.74, Milano, 20157, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Staiano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Section of Pediatrics, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentino Cherubini
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, "G. Salesi Hospital", Ancona, Italy
| | - Rossella Gaudino
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Maria Fazzi
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Egidio Barbi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Corsello
- Division of Pediatrics, "A.R.N.A.S." Civic Hospital, Di Cristina Benfratelli, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Susanna Maria Roberta Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children's Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Pietro Ferrara
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico, Roma, Italy
- Operative Research Unit of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Roma, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Paediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Nicola Laforgia
- Section of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Mohamad Maghnie
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophtalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Marseglia
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, Pediatric Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Perilongo
- Department of Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Woman's & Child's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Martino Ruggieri
- Unit of Pediatric Clinic, Centre for Rare Diseases of the Nervous System in Childhood, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanna Russo
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mariacarolina Salerno
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophtalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuliana Valerio
- Department of Medical, Movement and Wellbeing studies, University of Napoli "Parthenope", Napoli, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Wasniewska
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Jorgensen SCJ, Athéa N, Masson C. Puberty Suppression for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria and the Child's Right to an Open Future. Arch Sex Behav 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02850-4. [PMID: 38565790 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02850-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
In this essay, we consider the clinical and ethical implications of puberty blockers for pediatric gender dysphoria through the lens of "the child's right to an open future," which refers to rights that children do not have the capacity to exercise as minors, but that must be protected, so they can exercise them in the future as autonomous adults. We contrast the open future principle with the beliefs underpinning the gender affirming care model and discuss implications for consent. We evaluate claims that puberty blockers are reversible, discuss the scientific uncertainty about long-term benefits and harms, summarize international developments, and examine how suicide has been used to frame puberty suppression as a medically necessary, lifesaving treatment. In discussing these issues, we include relevant empirical evidence and raise questions for clinicians and researchers. We conclude that treatment pathways that delay decisions about medical transition until the child has had the chance to grow and mature into an autonomous adulthood would be most consistent with the open future principle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C J Jorgensen
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada.
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | | | - Céline Masson
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Picardie Jules-Verne, Amiens, France
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Rahman E, Rao P, Webb WR, Philipp-Dormston WG, Sayed K, Almeida ART, Mosahebi A, Carruthers JDA, Carruthers A. Embracing Spectrum: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Journeys in Aesthetic Medicine: A Kaleidoscope of Identity. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2024:10.1007/s00266-024-03923-4. [PMID: 38499877 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-024-03923-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This synaptic systemised review critically examines the provision of aesthetic medical care to LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more) individuals, assessing both the clinical practices and the educational frameworks that guide interactions with LGBTQIA+ patients in aesthetic settings. METHODS Following PRISMA-S guidelines, a comprehensive review was conducted, initially identifying 159 potentially relevant articles. Upon stringent full-text review, 33 studies met the inclusion criteria and were subject to an in-depth thematic analysis. The scope encompassed qualitative studies, quantitative analyses, and a cross section of interdisciplinary research, predominantly from Western settings. RESULTS The analysis distilled four principal themes: the imperative of identity affirmation in aesthetic interventions, substantial barriers to inclusive and empathetic care, the critical need for patient empowerment, and the existing deficiencies within medical education regarding LGBTQIA+ care. These themes highlight a complex interplay between the clinical aspirations of LGBTQIA+ individuals and the current capacity of aesthetic medicine to cater to this diversity. CONCLUSIONS There is a pressing need for a paradigmatic shift towards more inclusive, competent, and sensitive aesthetic medical care for LGBTQIA+ patients. It underscores the necessity of reform in medical education and advocates for policy changes that promote a more equitable healthcare environment. This research serves as a call to action, emphasizing the ethical imperative to integrate comprehensive LGBTQIA+ care competencies into aesthetic medicine curricula and practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eqram Rahman
- Research and Innovation Hub, Innovation Aesthetics, London, WC2H 9JQ, UK.
| | - Parinitha Rao
- Aesthetic Dermatology Practice, The Skin Address, Bangalore, India
| | | | | | - Karim Sayed
- Nomi Clinic, Oslo, Norway
- University of South East Norway, Notodden, Norway
| | - Ada R T Almeida
- Dermatologic Clinic, Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jean D A Carruthers
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alastair Carruthers
- Department of Dermatology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Li J, Feng Y, Yu Y, Xu S, Wang Y. Effect of gender identity on the association between gender dysphoria and suicidality via appearance anxiety among transgender and gender-diverse young people: moderated mediation study. BJPsych Open 2024; 10:e66. [PMID: 38482718 PMCID: PMC10951840 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender dysphoria is associated with suicidality among transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people. Gender dysphoria also results in a stress on appearance. AIMS The objectives of this study were to examine: (a) whether appearance anxiety mediates the effect of gender dysphoria on suicidality; and (b) whether gender identity moderates the mediating effect of appearance anxiety. METHOD A total of 117 769 college and university students were recruited in this cross-sectional study from Jilin Province, China. After screening based on participants' gender identity, 2352 TGD young people (aged from 15 to 25 years) were divided into three subgroups: female to male (FTM), male to female (MTF) and non-binary. Self-report inventories measured gender dysphoria, suicidality and appearance anxiety. A structural equation model was run to examine the relationships among TGD gender identity, gender dysphoria, appearance anxiety and suicidality. RESULTS Among TGD young people, gender dysphoria was significantly positively associated with suicidality (β = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.11-0.18, P < 0.001). Appearance anxiety partially mediated the association between gender dysphoria and suicidality (β = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.05-0.08, P < 0.001). Gender identity moderated the mediating effects: compared with individuals with FTM identity, among those with MTF and non-binary identities, gender dysphoria showed stronger positive effects on appearance anxiety, and appearance anxiety showed greater effects in mediating the association between gender dysphoria and suicidality. CONCLUSIONS Among TGD young people, gender dysphoria is significantly associated with suicidality via appearance anxiety, with gender identity moderating the mediating effects. Diverse treatments should consider the heterogeneity of TGD subgroups, with the aim of limiting the tendency of gender dysphoria to trigger appearance anxiety, thus further buffering against the risk of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China; and School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Mental Health Center, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China; and School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shicun Xu
- Northeast Asian Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China; and School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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van Amesfoort JE, Van Mello NM, van Genugten R. Lactation induction in a transgender woman: case report and recommendations for clinical practice. Int Breastfeed J 2024; 19:18. [PMID: 38462609 PMCID: PMC10926588 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-024-00624-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We present a case of non-puerperal induced lactation in transgender woman. Medical literature on lactation induction for transgender women is scarce, and the majority of literature and protocols on lactation induction is based on research in cisgender women. Healthcare professionals may lack the precise knowledge about lactation induction and may therefore feel insecure when advice is requested. Subsequently, there is a rising demand for guidelines and support. METHODS Patient medical record was consulted and a semi-structured interview was conducted to explore the motive for lactation induction, the experience of lactation induction, and to gather additional information about the timeline and course of events. CASE PRESENTATION In this case a 37-year-old transgender woman, who was under the care of the centre of expertise on gender dysphoria in Amsterdam, and in 2020 started lactation induction because she had the wish to breastfeed her future infant. She was in a relationship with a cisgender woman and had been using gender affirming hormone therapy for 13 years. Prior to initiating gender affirming hormone therapy she had cryopreserved her semen. Her partner conceived through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, using our patient's cryopreserved sperm. To induce lactation, we implemented a hormone-regimen to mimic pregnancy, using estradiol and progesterone, and a galactogogue; domperidone. Our patient started pumping during treatment. Dosage of progesterone and estradiol were significantly decreased approximately one month before childbirth to mimic delivery and pumping was increased. Our patient started lactating and although the production of milk was low, it was sufficient for supplementary feeding and a positive experience for our patient. Two weeks after birth, lactation induction was discontinued due to suckling problems of the infant and low milk production. CONCLUSIONS This case report underlined that lactation induction protocols commonly used for cisgender women are also effective in transgender women. However, the amount of milk produced may not be sufficient for exclusive nursing. Nevertheless, success of induced lactation may be attributed to its importance for parent-infant bonding, rather than the possibility of exclusive chestfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jojanneke E van Amesfoort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Norah M Van Mello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise On Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Renate van Genugten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Brecht A, Bos S, Ries L, Hübner K, Widenka PM, Winter SM, Calvano C. Analyzing body dissatisfaction and gender dysphoria in the context of minority stress among transgender adolescents. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:30. [PMID: 38431595 PMCID: PMC10909265 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00718-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender dysphoria among transgender adolescents has predominantly been examined in relation to body dissatisfaction. While in adult transgender samples, body dissatisfaction is higher than in cisgender controls, this has so far rarely been investigated for adolescents. In the context of a cisnormative society, the impact of influences from the social environment on body dissatisfaction and gender dysphoria has been neglected in research. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) provide a detailed analysis of body dissatisfaction among young transgender people and (2) investigate whether body dissatisfaction and gender dysphoria are associated with experiences of minority stress such as trans hostility and poor peer relations (PPR). METHODS The paper presents a cross-sectional study among a sample of transgender adolescents, presenting at a specialized outpatient counseling clinic (N = 99; age M = 15.36, SD = 1.85). First, body dissatisfaction (assessed by the Body-Image-Scale; BIS), was explored and compared to data from a population-based control group of cisgender peers (N = 527; age M = 14.43, SD = 0.97). Second, within a clinic-referred transgender subsample (n = 74), associations between body dissatisfaction and gender dysphoria (measured by Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale; UGDS), PPR (measured by the Youth-Self-Report; YSR-R), and trans hostile experiences (assessed in clinical interview) were examined by correlations, t-tests and multivariate regression. RESULTS Transgender adolescents reported more body dissatisfaction than cisgender peers. The dissatisfaction with sex characteristics, non-hormonal reactive body regions and the total score for body dissatisfaction were positively related with gender dysphoria. The majority had experienced trans hostility in the present and/or past (54.1%) and PPR (63.5%). More body dissatisfaction was correlated with more PPR regarding visible body parts i.e., hair, overall appearance and muscles, whilst PPR and gender dysphoria were not associated. Transgender adolescents who experienced trans hostility showed higher gender dysphoria and PPR, but not more body dissatisfaction. In multiple regression, trans hostility predicted gender dysphoria, whilst age and PPR predicted body dissatisfaction. DISCUSSION Experiences of minority-stress differentially interact with body dissatisfaction and gender dysphoria among transgender adolescents. Social correlates of body dissatisfaction and gender dysphoria must be considered when working with young transgender people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Brecht
- Department of Education and Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychotherapy, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Insitute of Health, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sascha Bos
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Insitute of Health, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Ries
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Insitute of Health, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hübner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Insitute of Health, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pia-Marie Widenka
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sibylle Maria Winter
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Insitute of Health, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Calvano
- Department of Education and Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychotherapy, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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Brandsma T, Visser K, Volk JJG, Rijn ABV, Dekker LP. A Pilot Study on the Effect of Peer Support on Quality of Life of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Gender Dysphoria. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:997-1008. [PMID: 36484963 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05832-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gender dysphoria (GD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) co-occur relatively often, but there is no evidence-based treatment for this specific group. Therefore, we examined the effects of a group intervention for adolescents with ASD and GD in a pilot study with a pre-post-test design. The adolescents completed questionnaires on quality of life, self-esteem, gender dysphoric feelings, and social responsiveness. Results show that participating in this peer support group seems to increase aspects of quality of life, i.e., increased parent-reported psychological well-being and decreased psychological complaints. Even though more research is needed, these results indicate that peer support is an invaluable part of treatment for adolescents with ASD and GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Brandsma
- Sarr Autism Rotterdam, Youz & Antes, Parnassiagroep, Dynamostraat 18, 3083, AK Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Youz, Parnassiagroep & Praktijk Buitengewoon, Gorinchem, The Netherlands.
| | - K Visser
- Sarr Autism Rotterdam, Youz & Antes, Parnassiagroep, Dynamostraat 18, 3083, AK Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J J G Volk
- Sarr Autism Rotterdam, Youz & Antes, Parnassiagroep, Dynamostraat 18, 3083, AK Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Balleur van Rijn
- Youz, Parnassiagroep & Praktijk Buitengewoon, Gorinchem, The Netherlands
| | - L P Dekker
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology Education and Child Studies, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Wuest J, Last BS. Agents of scientific uncertainty: Conflicts over evidence and expertise in gender-affirming care bans for minors. Soc Sci Med 2024; 344:116533. [PMID: 38401237 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Globally, as medical and mental health associations increasingly have expressed support for the gender-affirming care model for trans and gender expansive youth, this model has been paradoxically banned across the United States. Ban proponents have deemed the science behind gender-affirming care to be dangerously uncertain. Examining the first gender-affirming care ban for minors, Arkansas's Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act of 2021, we addressed the following two questions: 1) who are the scientists, clinicians, and political organizations that promote SAFE and similar bans?; and 2) what are the scientific arguments they make to defend SAFE in federal court? First, we developed a typology of the various "agents of scientific uncertainty" behind these bans, drawing on literature from the sociology and history of science and medicine as well as the political economy of scientific doubt. Second, we created and qualitatively analyzed a dataset featuring 375 unique citations referenced throughout federal litigation over SAFE to identify these agents of scientific uncertainty's arguments. We sorted these arguments into eight categories, which reveal how agents distorted scientific evidence and exaggerated real uncertainties and risks in gender-affirming care. This case study establishes a frame for understanding the growing prevalence and legal impact of scientific arguments against gender-affirming care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Wuest
- Department of Politics, Mount Holyoke College, Skinner Hall #204, South Hadley, MA, 01075, USA.
| | - Briana S Last
- Department of Psychology, Psychology B, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
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11
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Rosati F, Pistella J, Coletta V, Baiocco R. Racialized Migrant Transgender Women Engaged in Sex Work: Double Binds and Identifications with the Community. Arch Sex Behav 2024; 53:1153-1168. [PMID: 38347323 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02804-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Racialized migrant transgender women engaged in sex work represent an understudied population. They face unique challenges resulting from their multiple marginalized identities, such as racialized transmisogyny. Since marginalized communities play a vital role in mitigating systemic stigma, it is essential to expand the literature on the community of this population. The present study used the frameworks of gender minority stress and intersectionality, along with a decolonial and transfeminist approach. Twenty participants aged between 28 and 66 years old (M = 43.15; SD = 10.49) took part in a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis identified two main areas with ten corresponding themes. "The double bind of community" described the complex dynamics experienced by transgender refugees within their community, including (1) sex work between emancipation and exploitation, (2) non-prescribed treatments for gender affirmation, (3) negative experiences with the community, (4) positive impact of trans organizations, and (5) practical and economic support and exploitation. "The identification with the community" highlighted how participants positively or negatively identified with the community, containing: (6) awareness of one's privileges and oppressions, (7) internalized cisgenderism and assimilation, (8) gender euphoria; (9) sexual objectification, and (10) trans-generativity. The study evidenced the complex dynamics within marginalized communities. Trauma, stigma, and survival struggles can lead to violence and exploitation within the community. However, the community also has the potential to promote positive feelings and generativity. These findings have practical implications for social workers, healthcare practitioners, and researchers, emphasizing the need for appropriate and culturally competent care, including resources for coping with stress, fostering resilience, and facilitating post-traumatic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fau Rosati
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Valle d'Aosta, Str. Cappuccini, 2, 11100, Aosta, Italy.
| | - Jessica Pistella
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Coletta
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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12
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Rawee P, Rosmalen JGM, Kalverdijk L, Burke SM. Development of Gender Non-Contentedness During Adolescence and Early Adulthood. Arch Sex Behav 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02817-5. [PMID: 38413534 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02817-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Adolescence is an important period for the development of gender identity. We studied the development of gender non-contentedness, i.e., unhappiness with being the gender aligned with one's sex, from early adolescence to young adulthood, and its association with self-concept, behavioral and emotional problems, and adult sexual orientation. Participants were 2772 adolescents (53% male) from the Tracking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey population and clinical cohort. Data from six waves were included (ages 11-26). Gender non-contentedness was assessed with the item "I wish to be of the opposite sex" from the Youth and Adult Self-Report at all six waves. Behavioral and emotional problems were measured by total scores of these scales at all six waves. Self-concept was assessed at age 11 using the Global Self-Worth and Physical Appearance subscales of the Self-Perception Profile for Children. Sexual orientation was assessed at age 22 by self-report. In early adolescence, 11% of participants reported gender non-contentedness. The prevalence decreased with age and was 4% at the last follow-up (around age 26). Three developmental trajectories of gender non-contentedness were identified: no gender non-contentedness (78%), decreasing gender non-contentedness (19%), and increasing gender non-contentedness (2%). Individuals with an increasing gender non-contentedness more often were female and both an increasing and decreasing trajectory were associated with a lower global self-worth, more behavioral and emotional problems, and a non-heterosexual sexual orientation. Gender non-contentedness, while being relatively common during early adolescence, in general decreases with age and appears to be associated with a poorer self-concept and mental health throughout development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pien Rawee
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith G M Rosmalen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Interdisciplinary Center for Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Luuk Kalverdijk
- Interdisciplinary Center for Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah M Burke
- Interdisciplinary Center for Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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13
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Muir CA, Guttman-Jones M, Man EJ. Effects of gender affirming hormone treatment in transgender individuals - a retrospective cohort study. Endocrine 2024:10.1007/s12020-024-03736-0. [PMID: 38386168 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03736-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gender affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) results in measurable changes to anthropomorphic, biochemical and hormonal variables that are important to patients and their health care professionals to guide treatment. This study sought to quantify changes which occur in response to initiation of GAHT. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of outcomes in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients starting GAHT. The primary outcome was proportion of patients and time required to achieve optimal hormone levels after commencement of GAHT. Additional analyses were performed to assess whether clinical and biochemical factors were associated with likelihood of achieving target hormone levels. RESULTS 345 patients were included. Among 154 transmasculine individuals, 116 (75%) achieved a testosterone level >10 nmol/L during follow-up at a median of 4-months (IQR 4-9). No clinical or biochemical factors were significantly associated with likelihood of reaching therapeutic testosterone concentrations in transmen. Among 191 transfeminine individuals, 131 (72%) achieved a testosterone level <2.0 nmol/L during follow-up at a median of 4-months (IQR 3-9). Factors associated with increased likelihood of testosterone suppression were use of subdermal estradiol implants as well as cyproterone acetate as an androgen antagonist. Changes in differing directions were observed during repeated measures of lipids, liver function, and blood count between transmasculine and transfeminine individuals, reflecting the important effects of testosterone and estradiol on biochemical tests ordered as part of routine clinical care. CONCLUSION Most TGD patients achieve target testosterone levels within 9 months of GAHT initiation. Adverse effects of GAHT are rare, and are usually mild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Muir
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Mihal Guttman-Jones
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elspeth J Man
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Muhsin SM, Yahya F, Parachottil R, Shaikh S, Chin AHB. Sex Reassignment Surgery, Marriage, and Reproductive Rights of Intersex and Transgender People in Sunni Islam. Arch Sex Behav 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02813-9. [PMID: 38383942 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02813-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The traditional gender binary constitutes an integral aspect of Islamic social ethics, which has a pivotal role in shaping religious obligations, legal proceedings, and interpersonal judgments within Muslim communities. Within the familial sphere, this gender binary underscores fundamental responsibilities encompassing parenthood, filial duties, and inheritance rights. Recent years have witnessed a growing challenge to the traditional concept of the gender binary within Islamic societies. This shift is driven by increasing social libertarianism that emphasizes gender fluidity and individual choice. Hence, this article aims to critically scrutinize evolving discussions and controversies about the rights of intersex and transgender individuals, particularly issues relating to sex reassignment or gender-affirming surgery, marriage, and reproduction, from the perspective of the Sunni tradition of Islam. To support the various interpretations and insights presented here, a comprehensive and rigorous analysis is carried out on various religious texts and scholarly sources to elucidate the theological and jurisprudential positions on gender issues. It is thus concluded that Shariah offers greater flexibility in the treatment of intersex individuals compared to those with gender dysphoria because the intersex condition is viewed as a physical impairment that is not the choice of the afflicted individual. By contrast, in the case of individuals with gender dysphoria, they are willfully attempting to change their recognized biological sex, that God had naturally given to them at birth. Therefore, it is recommended that such transgender individuals deserve respectful psychological and social rehabilitation with help and guidance from religious authorities, their families, and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayyed Mohamed Muhsin
- Department of Fiqh and Usul Al-Fiqh, AHAS KIRKHS, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, Malaysia
| | - Firdaus Yahya
- Syariah Consultancy Education & Training, Singapore Post Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rasheed Parachottil
- Department of Study of Religion, Darul Huda Islamic University, Chemmad, Kerala, India
| | - Sirajuddin Shaikh
- Department of Study of Religion, Darul Huda Islamic University, Chemmad, Kerala, India
| | - Alexis Heng Boon Chin
- Singapore Fertility and IVF Consultancy Pvt Ltd., 531A Upper Cross Street, #04-95, Hong Lim Complex, Singapore, 051531, Singapore.
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Chelliah P, Lau M, Kuper LE. Changes in Gender Dysphoria, Interpersonal Minority Stress, and Mental Health Among Transgender Youth After One Year of Hormone Therapy. J Adolesc Health 2024:S1054-139X(24)00005-3. [PMID: 38340124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cross-sectional studies have identified a strong link between interpersonal minority stress and mental health among transgender youth. However, very little is known about how experiences of minority stress change over time and how these changes relate to mental health. Further, few quantitative studies have examined the extent to which changes in gender dysphoria drive the improvements witnessed in mental health following gender-affirming medical treatment. METHODS Transgender youth (N = 115; age 12-18) completed measures of interpersonal minority stress (e.g., family and peer support, parent support of gender, victimization), body dissatisfaction, and mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, psychosocial functioning) at baseline and one year after initiating medical treatment with a multidisciplinary gender-affirming program. RESULTS Significant reductions in body dissatisfaction, victimization, depression, and anxiety were found along with improvements in parent gender-related nonaffirmation and psychosocial functioning. Higher levels of baseline family support, parent gender-related acceptance, and lower levels of baseline victimization were associated with better mental health at one-year follow-up. Reductions in body dissatisfaction were also associated with fewer symptoms of depression and better psychosocial functioning and follow-up. DISCUSSION Results provide further confirmation of the broad, short-term benefits of gender-affirming hormone therapy and highlight the importance of monitoring youth's experience of dysphoria while receiving treatment. Results also continue to highlight the importance of family support and suggest some forms of minority stress improve over time; however, the relationship between short-term changes in minority stress and mental health may be more complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Chelliah
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas
| | - May Lau
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas; Children's Health Systems of Texas, Dallas, Texas
| | - Laura E Kuper
- Children's Health Systems of Texas, Dallas, Texas; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
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16
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Eisenberg J, Felleman S, Bear B, Mercier R, Kazak AE, Schwartz BI. Psychological Symptoms and Service Utilization in Prepubertal and Pubertal Transgender and Gender-Diverse Patients. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2024; 37:45-50. [PMID: 37871845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To describe the demographic characteristics and psychological symptoms of gender-diverse patients and to compare symptoms between prepubertal and pubertal subgroups METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of all gender-diverse patients seen by at least 1 provider at the Nemours Gender Wellness Program from March 2015 to December 2020. The extracted data included demographic and psychosocial characteristics at baseline and 1-year follow-up visits. Pubertal status was determined by Tanner staging by a pediatric endocrinologist or gynecologist. Descriptive statistics were used to compare these variables between prepubertal and pubertal subgroups. RESULTS Our sample included 177 individuals at baseline and 96 subjects at the 1-year follow-up visit. Most patients were White (83.0%), non-Hispanic (92.0%), transgender male (72.9%), and pubertal (90.4%). Compared with prepubertal patients, at the baseline visit, pubertal patients had significantly higher rates of current (68.1% vs 17.6%, P < .001) and lifetime (80.0% vs 23.5%, P < .001) depressive symptoms, current anxiety symptoms (70.0% vs 41.2%, P = .01), lifetime suicide attempts (12.5% vs 0%, P < .001), and a formal diagnosis of an eating disorder (5.0% vs 0%, P < .001). Symptoms did not change significantly over time from baseline to the 1-year follow-up visit. CONCLUSION We found elevated rates of psychological symptoms and diagnoses in gender-diverse youth, with higher rates in pubertal compared with prepubertal patients. By elucidating how the psychosocial characteristics of gender-diverse children and adolescents differ based on pubertal status, these data can be used to improve current outreach and treatment strategies for transgender pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Eisenberg
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarah Felleman
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Benjamin Bear
- Nemours Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, Delaware
| | - Rebecca Mercier
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anne E Kazak
- Nemours Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, Delaware; Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Beth I Schwartz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Division of Adolescent Medicine & Pediatric Gynecology, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, Delaware.
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17
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Talaei A, Sorouri Khorashad B, Afzaljavan F, Omidvar Tehrani S. Attitudes and Beliefs Towards Transgender Individuals Among Residents of Mashhad, Iran in 2020. Arch Sex Behav 2024; 53:569-576. [PMID: 38049609 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02744-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
A growing number of studies show that transgender people are at higher risk for psychiatric morbidities. This increased vulnerability can result from the discrimination, violence, and other forms of stigma transgender people experience. Several studies have assessed the stigma by studying the public attitudes and beliefs towards transgender people. Using the Genderism and Transphobia Scale, we evaluated how citizens of a metropolitan city in Iran think and feel about transgender people. A total number of 1202 participants, with a mean age of 41.57 years ± 13.41 (27.4% cisgender men and 72.6% cisgender women), were recruited via a random cluster sampling. Demographic data and socioeconomic status were collected for all the participants. The findings showed a notable level of transphobia. Participants identifying as men, being single, personally acquainted with a transgender individual, possessing a higher education, and having a higher socioeconomic standing displayed significantly more positive views towards transgender people. Iranian transgender people, living under a theocratic state, experience more challenges compared to those live in Western countries. Our findings demonstrate that educational level accounted for much of the variance in transgender attitudes. Therefore, representing transgender issues in social media can educate the general population and positively change attitudes and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Talaei
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Behzad Sorouri Khorashad
- Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Fahimeh Afzaljavan
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sahar Omidvar Tehrani
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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18
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Oliveira JCDS, da Trindade Duarte JM, Simões-Zenari M, Nemr K. Risk of Dysphonia, Presence of Vocal Changes, and Vocal Self-Perception in Brazilian Transgender Women. J Voice 2024:S0892-1997(23)00409-5. [PMID: 38302406 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate and correlate the risk of dysphonia, the presence of vocal changes and their associated factors, and the vocal self-perception of transgender women. METHOD Observational cross-sectional study in Brazilian transgender women. The analysis addressed their age, length of experience in the gender, perceptual-auditory and acoustic vocal aspects, scores in the General Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol (DRSP-G), and the Voice Questionnaire for Male-to-Female Transsexuals (TVQ(MtF)). The sample was divided into two groups based on the grade of vocal deviation (Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice)-with (G.W.C.) and without vocal changes (G.N.C.)-to verify the association between the presence of vocal changes and other variables. The correlation between the grade of vocal deviation and DRSP and TVQ(MtF) scores was also verified. RESULTS The sample included 32 transgender women with a mean age of 30.1 and 11.52 years of experience as females. Over half declared themselves Black, and a third of the sample did not have a defined profession. Use of female hormones was reported by 71.9%, the majority without a medical prescription. The mean grade of vocal deviation was 22, the dysphonia risk score was 43.47, and the TVQ(MtF) score was 59.46. Nasal and pharyngeal resonance was observed in 59.4%, and the mean fundamental frequency (f0) was 156.14 Hz. G.W.C. had a shorter experience living in the redesignated genre. The participants idealized more feminine voices than they currently had. The DRSP-G and TVQ(MtF) scores had a moderate positive correlation. CONCLUSION The study sample had characteristics compatible with some degree of social and health vulnerability. There was a moderate impact of voice on their quality of life, and despite the high risk of dysphonia, there was a low occurrence of vocal changes. There was a correlation between the DRSP-G and TVQ(MtF) scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Carlo Dos Santos Oliveira
- Department of Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - João Marcos da Trindade Duarte
- Department of Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marcia Simões-Zenari
- Department of Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Katia Nemr
- Department of Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Falck FAOK, Dhejne CMU, Frisén LMM, Armuand GM. Subjective Experiences of Pregnancy, Delivery, and Nursing in Transgender Men and Non-Binary Individuals: A Qualitative Analysis of Gender and Mental Health Concerns. Arch Sex Behav 2024:10.1007/s10508-023-02787-0. [PMID: 38228983 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02787-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Studies of how gender-diverse individuals experience pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing remain few, mainly focus on the US and contain scarce information about mental health concerns peri-partum. This hinders informed reproductive health decisions and counseling. We used in-depth interviews to examine how gestational gender-diverse individuals in Sweden experience the process of planning and undergoing pregnancy, delivery, and nursing. In total, 12 participants, identifying on the masculine side of the gender spectrum or as non-binary, who had attended Swedish antenatal care and delivered a live birth, were included in the study. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic content analysis. The analysis resulted in one overarching theme: sustaining gender congruence during pregnancy and three main categories: (1) considering pregnancy; (2) undergoing pregnancy and childbirth; and (3) postnatal reflections. The association between childbearing and being regarded as female permeated narratives. Participants renegotiated the feminine connotations of pregnancy, accessed gender-affirming treatment, and concealed their pregnancy to safeguard their gender congruence. Mis-gendering and breast enlargement triggered gender dysphoria. Social judgment, loneliness, information shortages, hormonal influence and cessation of testosterone increased gender dysphoria and strained their mental health. Depression exacerbated gender dysphoria and made it harder to claim one's gender identity. Dissociation was used to handle a feminized body, vaginal delivery, and nursing. Pregnancy was easier to envision and handle after masculinizing gender-affirming treatments. The results deepen the understanding of gender dysphoria and may be used to inform reproductive counseling and healthcare development. Research outcomes on mental health concerns provide a basis for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas A O K Falck
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- ANOVA, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Psychiatry Southwest, Karolinska University Hospital in Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Cecilia M U Dhejne
- ANOVA, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Louise M M Frisén
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriela M Armuand
- School of Health and Welfare, Faculty of Health Sciences 1, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
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20
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Ghiasi Z, Khazaei F, Khosravi M, Rezaee N. Physical and psychosocial challenges of people with gender dysphoria: a content analysis study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:16. [PMID: 38166956 PMCID: PMC10759397 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17537-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mismatch between the gender experienced by a person and the gender attributed to him/her leads to gender dysphoria. It seems that people's perception of gender dysphoria is affected by individual, cultural, and sociological factors and these factors affect different aspects of their biological, psychological, and social health. To this end, this qualitative study aimed to identify the physical, psychological, and social challenges of people with gender dysphoria referring to the Department of forensic medicine in Iran. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis on 9 individuals who were selected through purposive sampling. A total of 16 interviews were conducted with 9 participants. Each interview lasted 60-90 min. The participants' gender dysphoria was confirmed by the Department of forensic medicine. The data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with the participants. RESULTS The data revealed 3 main categories and 10 subcategories. The main categories were living in agony, confusion, and social concerns. The subcategories were annoying physical characteristics, mental suffering, disturbing sexual changes, concerns about public reaction, helplessness, surrender, the final solution, retreating to isolation, stressful family conditions, and lack of public recognition. CONCLUSION The findings showed that people with gender dysphoria suffer from some problems including living in agony, confusion, and social concerns. Each of these problems is associated with several challenges. It seems that most of the challenges faced by people with gender dysphoria are caused by unawareness of their conditions by the family and the public, which in turn is caused by the failure of related organizations and experts in this field to provide adequate information about the conditions of these people. Thus, the findings of the present study can have some implications for resolving the challenges faced by people with gender dysphoria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ghiasi
- School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Khosravi
- Department of Psychiatry, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Nasrin Rezaee
- Community Nursing Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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Herrmann L, Barkmann C, Bindt C, Fahrenkrug S, Breu F, Grebe J, Becker-Hebly I. Binary and Non-binary Gender Identities, Internalizing Problems, and Treatment Wishes Among Adolescents Referred to a Gender Identity Clinic in Germany. Arch Sex Behav 2024; 53:91-106. [PMID: 37563319 PMCID: PMC10794330 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02674-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Clinical research on transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) adolescents has focused on binary individuals or often not differentiated among gender identities. Recent studies suggest that a considerable proportion of TGNC adolescents identify as non-binary and that these youth report more internalizing problems as well as different transition-related medical treatment wishes than binary adolescents. However, the results are inconclusive, and data for the German-speaking area are lacking. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the percentage of binary and non-binary gender identities in a German sample of clinically referred TGNC adolescents and examine associations of gender identity with internalizing problems and transition-related medical treatment wishes. The sample consisted of 369 adolescents (11-18 years, Mage = 15.43; 305 birth-assigned female, 64 birth-assigned male) who attended the Hamburg Gender Identity Service for children and adolescents (Hamburg GIS) between 2013 and 2019. Gender identity and treatment wishes were assessed using study-specific items and internalizing problems using the Youth Self-Report. In total, 90% (n = 332) of the sample identified as binary and 10% (n = 37) as non-binary. Having a non-binary gender identity was significantly associated with more internalizing problems and with wishing for no transition-related medical treatment or only puberty-suppressing hormones. The results underscore that non-binary adolescents represent a specifically vulnerable subgroup within TGNC adolescents with unique mental health needs and treatment wishes. Future research should differentiate among various gender identities. In clinical practice, it is crucial to create an inclusive space for non-binary youth and provide mental health care if needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Herrmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, W29, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Claus Barkmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, W29, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carola Bindt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, W29, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Saskia Fahrenkrug
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, W29, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Breu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, W29, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jörn Grebe
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, W29, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Inga Becker-Hebly
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, W29, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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23
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Kim E, Park H, Cho Y, Jeon K, An H. Invisibility and Stigma: Experiences of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals in South Korea. Arch Sex Behav 2024; 53:77-90. [PMID: 37950133 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02730-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
In this qualitative study, we explored the challenges that transgender and gender non-confirming (TGNC) individuals face in South Korea. For this, we conducted in-depth interviews with 14 South Korean TGNC younger adults attending colleges or graduate schools and analyzed their data through consensus qualitative research. Analyses revealed that issues related to interpersonal relationships and medical transiting were major challenges perceived by participants. Four categories emerged in the domain of challenges in interpersonal relationships, including issues associated with family, romantic partner, coming out and outing, and transphobia and cisnormativity. In addition, two categories (i.e., medical difficulties and physical appearance-related distress) were included in the domain of challenges related to medical transition. Unique sources of stress for South Korean TGNC younger adults included high risk of being outed due to Korean resident registration numbers, dissatisfaction with bodily changes when transitioning, and misgendering caused by Korean's different honorific titles depending on gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunha Kim
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea.
| | - Hyun Park
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - YeJi Cho
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - KyungAh Jeon
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - Hyunju An
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
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24
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Littman L, O'Malley S, Kerschner H, Bailey JM. Detransition and Desistance Among Previously Trans-Identified Young Adults. Arch Sex Behav 2024; 53:57-76. [PMID: 38038854 PMCID: PMC10794437 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02716-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Persons who have renounced a prior transgender identification, often after some degree of social and medical transition, are increasingly visible. We recruited 78 US individuals ages 18-33 years who previously identified as transgender and had stopped identifying as transgender at least six months prior. On average, participants first identified as transgender at 17.1 years of age and had done so for 5.4 years at the time of their participation. Most (83%) participants had taken several steps toward social transition and 68% had taken at least one medical step. By retrospective reports, fewer than 17% of participants met DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Gender Dysphoria in Childhood. In contrast, 53% of participants believed that "rapid-onset gender dysphoria" applied to them. Participants reported a high rate of psychiatric diagnoses, with many of these prior to trans-identification. Most participants (N = 71, 91%) were natal females. Females (43%) were more likely than males (0%) to be exclusively homosexual. Participants reported that their psychological health had improved dramatically since detransition/desistance, with marked decreases in self-harm and gender dysphoria and marked increases in flourishing. The most common reason given for initial trans-identification was confusing mental health issues or reactions to trauma for gender dysphoria. Reasons for detransition were more likely to reflect internal changes (e.g., the participants' own thought processes) than external pressures (e.g., pressure from family). Results suggest that, for some transgender individuals, detransition is both possible and beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Littman
- The Institute for Comprehensive Gender Dysphoria Research, 11 S. Angell Street, #331, Providence, RI, 02906, USA.
| | - Stella O'Malley
- The Institute for Comprehensive Gender Dysphoria Research, 11 S. Angell Street, #331, Providence, RI, 02906, USA
| | | | - J Michael Bailey
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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25
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David LW, Stenberg N, Diseth TH, Helverschou SB, Nyquist CB, Øien RA, Waehre A. Autistic Characteristics in a Nationally Representative Clinical Sample of Adolescents Seeking Medical Gender-Affirming Treatment in Norway. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06181-6. [PMID: 38055182 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06181-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Several studies have reported on the intersection of autism and gender incongruence (GI) in clinical populations. This study aims to investigate autistic characteristics and registered autism spectrum diagnoses (ASD) in a clinical cohort of 83 adolescents referred to the National Gender Team for Children and Adolescents in Norway during 2020. METHODS Parents completed the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Background information and registered psychiatric diagnoses were extracted from patient files. RESULTS The results showed that 25% of the participants scored within the clinical range on the SRS: 27.4% of adolescents who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and 19.0% of adolescents who were assigned male at birth (AMAB). AFAB had significantly higher scores on SRS Total Scale and the Social Motivation and Autistic Mannerisms subscales compared to the female norm group. AMAB had higher scores on the Social Motivation subscale and lower scores on the Social Awareness subscale, compared to the male norm population. Information from patient files revealed that 67.5% had one or more registered psychiatric diagnosis. 9.6% had received an ASD diagnosis, all AFAB. 18.1% had received an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis. The most common psychiatric diagnoses were depression (25.3%) and anxiety disorders (18.1%). Further, 44.6% had a history of self-harm, and 15.7% had a history of a suicide attempt. CONCLUSION The results showed an overrepresentation of ASD diagnoses and autistic characteristics measured by SRS for AFAB. There was an overrepresentation of psychiatric diagnoses for both the AFAB and the AMAB group in this study sample. Implications for treatment and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda W David
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Hospitals, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nina Stenberg
- Regional Resource Center for Autism, ADHD and Tourette Syndrome, South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trond H Diseth
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Hospitals, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sissel Berge Helverschou
- NevSom - Norwegian Centre of Expertice for Neurodevelopmental disorders and Hypersomnias, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cecilie Bjertness Nyquist
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Hospitals, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Roald A Øien
- The Arctic University of Norway, UNN - University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- School of Medicine, Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - Anne Waehre
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Hospitals, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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26
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Yesildemir O, Akbulut G. Gender-Affirming Nutrition: An Overview of Eating Disorders in the Transgender Population. Curr Nutr Rep 2023; 12:877-892. [PMID: 37864747 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-023-00504-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Transgender individuals are vulnerable to many nutrition-related conditions, especially eating disorders due to gender dysphoria. This review aims to summarize the current literature on eating disorders in transgender individuals. The issues that should be considered in nutrition care for the transgender population are discussed regarding public health. RECENT FINDINGS Transgender individuals can exhibit disordered eating behaviors to overcome the stress they experience due to stigma, discrimination, social exclusion, and abuse. Recent studies showed that disordered eating and clinical eating disorders are more prevalent among transgender than cisgender people. It is very important for a multidisciplinary team working in the clinic to understand the epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatment of eating disorders in the transgender population. However, multidisciplinary nutritional care is limited due to the lack of transgender-specific nutrition guidelines. It is safe to say that adhering to a generally healthy nutritional pattern and using standardized nutrition guidelines. We recommend that health professionals working with patients/clients with eating disorders receive continuing education in transgender health, be empowering and inclusive, address patients/clients with their gender identity nouns and pronouns, and develop nutritional treatment plans that are not gender-specific. Eating disorders are a significant public health problem in the transgender population. Therefore, clinical screening and early intervention are necessary to identify and treat eating disorders in transgender people. Eating disorders in the transgender population should be monitored routinely, and gender-affirming care should be provided as well as treatment of eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Yesildemir
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, 16059, Turkey.
| | - Gamze Akbulut
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kent University, Istanbul, 34433, Turkey
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27
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Lo Torto F, Mori FR, Bruno E, Giacomini G, Turriziani G, Firmani G, Marcasciano M, Ribuffo D. Gender dysphoria: Quality of online information for gender reassignment surgery. JPRAS Open 2023; 38:117-123. [PMID: 37772032 PMCID: PMC10522961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2023.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
An ever-increasing number of patients are using the Internet to learn about medical conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Internet-based patient information on gender reassignment surgery for people who suffer from gender dysphoria. Twenty websites identified using Google and Yahoo search engines were selected and evaluated based on the modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) instrument (36 items). The EQIP tool comprises 36 questions to which the answer can be "yes" or "no". The final score for each website can be between 0 and 36. An overall score of 26 or above was considered high, because it co-related to the 72nd percentile. The average of the scores turned out to be 22.5 points, lower than our target; 7 (35%) sites were rated higher than the average and 13 (65%) were rated lower. The assessment of the websites included in the study showed a lack of information about the sequence of the medical procedures, perioperative criticalities and qualitative risks and side-effects descriptions. The overall quality of published information on gender reassignment surgery is very low. We believe that the Internet should not be used as the main source of medical information, and physicians should maintain the leadership in guiding patients affected by gender dysphoria. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Lo Torto
- Department of Surgery ‘‘P.Valdoni’’ - Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Policlinico Umberto I, Giovanni Maria Lancisi Street, 2, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Francesco Rocco Mori
- Department of Surgery ‘‘P.Valdoni’’ - Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Policlinico Umberto I, Giovanni Maria Lancisi Street, 2, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Edoardo Bruno
- Department of Surgery ‘‘P.Valdoni’’ - Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Policlinico Umberto I, Giovanni Maria Lancisi Street, 2, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giacomini
- Department of Surgery ‘‘P.Valdoni’’ - Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Policlinico Umberto I, Giovanni Maria Lancisi Street, 2, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Turriziani
- Department of Surgery ‘‘P.Valdoni’’ - Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Policlinico Umberto I, Giovanni Maria Lancisi Street, 2, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Guido Firmani
- Department of Surgery ‘‘P.Valdoni’’ - Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Policlinico Umberto I, Giovanni Maria Lancisi Street, 2, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Marco Marcasciano
- Department of Experimental and clinical medicine – Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Università Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Tommaso Campanella street, 115, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Diego Ribuffo
- Department of Surgery ‘‘P.Valdoni’’ - Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Policlinico Umberto I, Giovanni Maria Lancisi Street, 2, Rome 00161, Italy
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28
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Karakılıç Özturan E, Öztürk AP, Baş F, Erdoğdu AB, Kaptan S, ardelen Al AD, Poyrazoğlu Ş, Yıldız M, Direk N, Yüksel Ş, Darendeliler F. In response to: “Letter to: Endocrinological Approach to Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria: Experience of a Pediatric Endocrinology Department in a Tertiary Center in Turkey”. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2023; 15:451-452. [PMID: 37752752 PMCID: PMC10683545 DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.galenos.2023.2023-9-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Esin Karakılıç Özturan
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Pınar Öztürk
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Firdevs Baş
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Burcu Erdoğdu
- Marmara University, Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Seven Kaptan
- Psychiatrists in Private Practice, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Aslı Derya ardelen Al
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Şükran Poyrazoğlu
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Melek Yıldız
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Neşe Direk
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Şahika Yüksel
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatrist in Private Practice, Emeritus Professor, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Feyza Darendeliler
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, İstanbul, Turkey
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29
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Bayraktar Z. Letter to: Endocrinological Approach to Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria: Experience of a Pediatric Endocrinology Department in a Tertiary Center in Turkey. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2023; 15:449-450. [PMID: 37710957 PMCID: PMC10683542 DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.galenos.2023.2023-9-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zeki Bayraktar
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Sancaktepe Şehit Prof Dr. İlhan Varank Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Urology, İstanbul, Turkey
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30
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Roden RC, Billman MG, Mullin R, Francesco A, Essayli JH. Rural Location of Residence is Not Associated With Use of Telemedicine for Initial Medical Contact for Gender-Related Healthcare. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:940-945. [PMID: 37610385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is very little information available regarding the health needs of transgender and gender diverse adolescents and young adults with gender dysphoria who reside in rural areas of the United States. This study aims to determine if residing in a rural area is associated with the use of telemedicine services, such as synchronous voice-video appointments, for initial contact for medical interventions for gender-related reasons in adolescents and young adults with gender incongruence. METHODS This study is a retrospective chart review of patients (N = 176) ages 10-24 years who had an initial medical appointment for gender-related concerns between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2022. Participants were determined to be rural or not based on address eligibility for rural-related health care services by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Rural Health Clinics Program or the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy grant programs. The use of telemedicine versus in-person appointments were compared, as were initial medical prescriptions (hormones, psychotropic medications, contraceptives, etc.) and recommendations for medical follow-ups made at this initial appointment. RESULTS Most participants did not reside in a rural location (N = 130). There was no statistically significant difference in the use of telemedicine versus in-person care in rural patients (22% vs. 78%) as compared to nonrural patients (21% vs. 79%), nor any statistically significant differences in the medical decisions made at the initial appointment with respect to rurality or modality of care. DISCUSSION Residing in a rural area is not associated with either choice of in-person care versus telemedicine services for initial medical appointments or medical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Claire Roden
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Children's Hospital, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
| | - Marley G Billman
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Children's Hospital, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert Mullin
- Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency Program, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Children's Hospital, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Angelea Francesco
- Rehabilitation and Human Services, Penn State University, Abington, Pennsylvania
| | - Jamal H Essayli
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Children's Hospital, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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31
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Hu W, Henry AS, Rouanet M, Pop A, Claudic Y, Vais B, Perrier A, Tehri I, Saraoui W, Perruisseau-Carrier A. [Phalloplasty by radial forearm free flap in the context of female-to-male gender reassignment surgery]. ANN CHIR PLAST ESTH 2023; 68:446-454. [PMID: 37652835 DOI: 10.1016/j.anplas.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aims of this article are to provide an overview of the technique of phalloplasty by radial forearm free flap in the context of female-to-male gender reassignment surgery, with a specific focus on surgical technical details and the prevention of postoperative complications. METHODS In the light of our 30 years of experience in caring for female-to-male transgender individuals and conducting a critical review of the literature, we exhaustively present our technique of radial forearm free flap phalloplasty in female-to-male gender reassignment surgery. RESULTS The technique of radial forearm free flap phalloplasty, utilizing a one-stage approach for neourethral and neophallus construction based on the "tube within a tube" principle, not only achieves an aesthetically pleasing appearance of the neophallus resembling a normal penis with tactile and erogenous sensitivities but also yields a functional neourethra and satisfactory penile rigidity using implants for standing voiding and sexual intercourse. This intricate surgical procedure demands not only meticulous execution of all surgical maneuvers but also high-level postoperative care. Despite refinements in technique over recent decades, aesthetic sequelae at the donor site of the flap remain subject to criticism, and postoperative complications, particularly of vascular and urological nature, remain significant. CONCLUSION Future optimization of the surgical technique for this procedure will be imperative to minimize postoperative complications and establish a true technical "gold standard" for phalloplasty in female-to-male transgender individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Hu
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalier universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France; Faculté de médecine, université de Brest, 22, rue Camille-Desmouqlins, 29238 Brest, France.
| | - A S Henry
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalier universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France
| | - M Rouanet
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalier universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France; Faculté de médecine, université de Brest, 22, rue Camille-Desmouqlins, 29238 Brest, France
| | - A Pop
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalier universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France
| | - Y Claudic
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalier universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France
| | - B Vais
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalier universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France
| | - A Perrier
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalier universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France
| | - I Tehri
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalier universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France
| | - W Saraoui
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalier universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France
| | - A Perruisseau-Carrier
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalier universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France; Faculté de médecine, université de Brest, 22, rue Camille-Desmouqlins, 29238 Brest, France
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Vrouenraets LJJJ, de Vries ALC, Arnoldussen M, Hannema SE, Lindauer RJL, de Vries MC, Hein IM. Medical decision-making competence regarding puberty suppression: perceptions of transgender adolescents, their parents and clinicians. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:2343-2361. [PMID: 36115898 PMCID: PMC10576681 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02076-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
According to international transgender care guidelines, transgender adolescents should have medical decision-making competence (MDC) to start puberty suppression (PS) and halt endogenous pubertal development. However, MDC is a debated concept in adolescent transgender care and little is known about the transgender adolescents', their parents', and clinicians' perspectives on this. Increasing our understanding of these perspectives can improve transgender adolescent care. A qualitative interview study with adolescents attending two Dutch gender identity clinics (eight transgender adolescents who proceeded to gender-affirming hormones after PS, and six adolescents who discontinued PS) and 12 of their parents, and focus groups with ten clinicians was conducted. From thematic analysis, three themes emerged regarding transgender adolescents' MDC to start PS: (1) challenges when assessing MDC, (2) aspects that are considered when assessing MDC, and (3) MDC's relevance. The four criteria one needs to fulfill to have MDC-understanding, appreciating, reasoning, communicating a choice-were all, to a greater or lesser extent, mentioned by most participants, just as MDC being relative to a specific decision and context. Interestingly, most adolescents, parents and clinicians find understanding and appreciating PS and its consequences important for MDC. Nevertheless, most state that the adolescents did not fully understand and appreciate PS and its consequences, but were nonetheless able to decide about PS. Parents' support of their child was considered essential in the decision-making process. Clinicians find MDC difficult to assess and put into practice in a uniform way. Dissemination of knowledge about MDC to start PS would help to adequately support adolescents, parents and clinicians in the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieke Josephina Jeanne Johanna Vrouenraets
- Department of Medical Psychology, Willem Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Law, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Annelou L C de Vries
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn Arnoldussen
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine E Hannema
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Paediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ramón J L Lindauer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam and Levvel, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martine C de Vries
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Law, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Paediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Irma M Hein
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam and Levvel, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Laungani A, Sapin Leduc A, Potts E, Nguyen D, Beaupré H, Brassard P. [GrS Montreal: A private hospital specializing in gender-affirming surgery in Canada]. ANN CHIR PLAST ESTH 2023; 68:419-429. [PMID: 37423828 DOI: 10.1016/j.anplas.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Gender dysphoria refers to the suffering an individual experiences when his or her sex at birth does not correspond to the expression of his or her gender. Gender-affirmation surgery is a procedure that can alleviate this suffering. For 20 years, GrS Montreal has been Canada's only center dedicated exclusively to this type of surgery. Thanks to its expertise, quality of care, state-of-the-art infrastructure and convalescent home, GrS Montreal receives patients from all over the world. This article describes the particularities of this center and puts into perspective the evolution of this type of surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Laungani
- GrS Montréal 999, rue De Salaberry, Montréal H3L 1L2, Québec, Canada; Division science et Enseignement, GrS Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de chirurgie plastique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - A Sapin Leduc
- GrS Montréal 999, rue De Salaberry, Montréal H3L 1L2, Québec, Canada; Division science et Enseignement, GrS Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - E Potts
- GrS Montréal 999, rue De Salaberry, Montréal H3L 1L2, Québec, Canada
| | - D Nguyen
- GrS Montréal 999, rue De Salaberry, Montréal H3L 1L2, Québec, Canada
| | - H Beaupré
- GrS Montréal 999, rue De Salaberry, Montréal H3L 1L2, Québec, Canada
| | - P Brassard
- GrS Montréal 999, rue De Salaberry, Montréal H3L 1L2, Québec, Canada; Département de chirurgie plastique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Hu W, Tehri I, Kinn H, Henry AS, Rouanet M, Pop A, Vais B, Claudic Y, Saraoui W, Perruisseau-Carrier A. [Description of a vaginoplasty technique using a peritoneal flap harvested by coelioscopic approach for male-to-female gender affirmations (MtF)]. ANN CHIR PLAST ESTH 2023; 68:455-461. [PMID: 37596142 DOI: 10.1016/j.anplas.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive description of the peritoneal flap technique in male-to-female (MtF) gender affirmation surgery, particularly in cases of insufficient depth after penile inversion vaginoplasty. RESULTS Our short-term results reveal that the peritoneal flap vaginoplasty, adapted from the Davydov procedure, has shown significant potential for improving functional and aesthetic outcomes, including the creation of a self-lubricating neovagina. However, the complexity of the procedure requires advanced surgical expertise and appropriate postoperative care. Patient selection also plays an essential role as not all patients are ideal candidates for this procedure. CONCLUSION Despite its promises, the widespread adoption of the peritoneal flap technique in male-to-female (MtF) gender affirmation surgery is hindered by several challenges, including the need for specialized training and potential postoperative complications. Thus, this technique should be considered as an alternative or complement to traditional methods, depending on individual patient factors. Further research and extensive clinical trials are needed to better understand its potential and limitations in order to enhance the arsenal of effective surgical options for MtF gender affirmation surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Hu
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalo-universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France; Faculté de médecine, université de Brest, 22, rue Camille-Desmoulins, 29238 Brest, France.
| | - I Tehri
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalo-universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France
| | - H Kinn
- Service de chirurgie viscérale et digestive, centre hospitalo-universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France
| | - A S Henry
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalo-universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France
| | - M Rouanet
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalo-universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France; Faculté de médecine, université de Brest, 22, rue Camille-Desmoulins, 29238 Brest, France
| | - A Pop
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalo-universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France
| | - B Vais
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalo-universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France
| | - Y Claudic
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalo-universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France
| | - W Saraoui
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalo-universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France
| | - A Perruisseau-Carrier
- Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalo-universitaire de Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29200 Brest, France; Faculté de médecine, université de Brest, 22, rue Camille-Desmoulins, 29238 Brest, France
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Mak A, Hwang R, Nace G, Allukian M, Nance ML. Trends in Histrelin Implantation at a Pediatric Tertiary Care Center. J Surg Res 2023; 291:73-79. [PMID: 37352739 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Determine procedural outcomes and identify changing trends of utilization among patients undergoing histrelin implantation at a large pediatric tertiary care center over 15 y. METHODS Retrospective review of all patients undergoing histrelin implantation between January 2008 and April 2022. RESULTS A total of 746 patients underwent 1794 unique procedures (1364 placements/replacements, 430 removals). Procedures were performed in the clinic (1071, 60%), sedation unit (630, 35%), and operating room (93, 5%). A total of 14 (0.8%) complications were identified, including two patients that required early implant removal and one patient requiring antibiotics. Implants were placed for central precocious puberty (CPP, 579) or gender dysphoria (GD, 167). Cohort included 25.9% males and 74.1% females with mean age of implantation of 9.48 y (SD: 2.34, range: 1.05-17.34). The GD group is comprised of 52.4% males and 47.6% females, compared to 18.3% males and 81.7% females in the CPP. Significant difference was identified for mean age at placement by indication (CPP 8.65 y versus GD 12.34, P < 0.001). New patient referrals and implant procedures increased significantly over 14 y. Yearly frequency of patients receiving implants for CPP and GD increased significantly (P < 0.001), with proportion of GD patients increasing from 7% to 32%. CONCLUSIONS Histrelin procedures have increased in frequency overall with the greater increase noted in the GD cohort. The development of a streamlined process and a dedicated team have enabled histrelin procedures to be safely performed in the clinic setting for most, with a very low complication rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Mak
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Rosa Hwang
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gary Nace
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Myron Allukian
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael L Nance
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Strang JF, van der Miesen AIR, Fischbach AL, Wolff M, Harris MC, Klomp SE. Common Intersection of Autism and Gender Diversity in Youth: Clinical Perspectives and Practices. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2023; 32:747-760. [PMID: 37739632 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Autism and gender diversity often intersect. Many transgender youth seeking gender-related medical interventions are autistic. Clinicians serving these youth lack an autism-specific evidence base to guide gender care decisions. At present, care decisions are based on extrapolation of care models from transgender youth samples, generally. At this point, there is no evidence to suggest that autistic youth are likely to experience shifts in gender or gender-related medical requests, although this has been insufficiently studied. In this article, cowritten by expert clinicians and autistic gender-diverse collaborators, an overview of clinical care considerations and the current evidence base is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Strang
- Gender and Autism Program, Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Children's National Hospital, 15245 Shady Grove Suite 350, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Center for Neuroscience, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Anna I R van der Miesen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abigail L Fischbach
- Gender and Autism Program, Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Children's National Hospital, 15245 Shady Grove Suite 350, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Milana Wolff
- College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
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Singh P, Lopez X. Gender-Affirming Medical Treatments. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2023; 32:789-802. [PMID: 37739635 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with gender dysphoria (as defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-V) experience a marked incongruence between the sex assigned at birth and the experienced gender resulting in significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. For transgender and gender diverse minors, the Endocrine Society recommends a multidisciplinary approach to gender-affirming medical treatment that involves a physician and a mental health provider, also consistent with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standard of Care 8th Edition recommendations. This article will outline the role of medical providers in implementing safe and effective gender-affirming medical treatments in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puja Singh
- Pediatric Endocrinology Division, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Ximena Lopez
- Pediatric Endocrinology Division, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Barron S, Jia E, Morgenstern M, Perez-Iglesias CT, Chen A, Kang C, Slatnick BL, Maselli A, Lee B, Tobias AM, Cauley RP. Gender affirming top surgery in transmale vs. gender nonconforming patients: Does gender identity affect patient-reported outcomes? J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2023; 85:182-186. [PMID: 37499559 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sivana Barron
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Emmeline Jia
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Monica Morgenstern
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Carolina Torres Perez-Iglesias
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Amy Chen
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Christine Kang
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Brianna L Slatnick
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Amy Maselli
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bernard Lee
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Adam M Tobias
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ryan P Cauley
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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Hughes LD, Gamarel KE, Restar AJ, Sequeira GM, Dowshen N, Regan K, Kidd KM. Adolescent Providers' Experiences of Harassment Related to Delivering Gender-Affirming Care. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:672-678. [PMID: 37589604 PMCID: PMC10568537 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The politicization of adolescent gender-affirming care has occurred alongside targeted harassment (e.g., threats of violence, doxing, bomb threats) of adolescent gender-affirming care providers across the United States. This study sought to explore their experiences of targeted harassment. METHODS From October to December 2022, mental and physical health gender-affirming care providers from across the United States completed a survey including open-ended questions about the kinds of harassment they experienced (i.e., method and messages of harassment) and its impact on their lives and practices. Thematic analyses were used to analyze their responses. RESULTS In total, 117 providers completed the survey and 70% shared that either they, their practice, or their institution had received threats specific to delivering gender-affirming care. The most common experiences were threats via social media or mailed letters. Several received death threats. Providers described how targeted harassment impacted their psychological well-being and required them to reassess clinic safety. Additionally, providers expressed the need for a more accurate representation of gender-affirming care in media and stronger advocacy from institutions and organizations emphasizing the importance of this care. DISCUSSION Adolescent gender-affirming care providers are experiencing targeted harassment, significantly affecting their ability to deliver care to transgender and gender-diverse adolescents and their families. Providers stressed the importance of receiving support from their institutions to ensure their safety. The ongoing sociopolitical climate related to gender-affirming care coupled with targeted harassment of those providing it will further limit access to this care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon D Hughes
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Kristi E Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Arjee J Restar
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington; Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gina M Sequeira
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Craig-Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nadia Dowshen
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Gender & Sexual Development Program, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Katelyn Regan
- Gender & Sexual Development Program, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kacie M Kidd
- Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
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Grannis C, Mattson WI, Leibowitz SF, Nahata L, Chen D, Strang JF, Thobe H, Indyk JA, Nelson EE. Expanding upon the relationship between gender-affirming hormone therapy, neural connectivity, mental health, and body image dissatisfaction. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 156:106319. [PMID: 37331310 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transgender/non-binary (TNB) youth are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, and suicidality compared to cisgender youth. Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT, i.e., testosterone or estrogen) is a standard of care option for TNB youth, and we have recently shown that GAHT (testosterone) in transgender youth assigned a female sex at birth is associated with reductions in internalizing symptomatology. The current analysis explores: 1) whether these benefits are observed in both TNB youth assigned female at birth (TNBAFAB) and TNB youth assigned male at birth (TNBAMAB) and 2) the extent to which body image dissatisfaction and alteration in neural circuitry relate to internalizing symptoms. METHOD The current study is an expansion of a previous publication from our lab that explored the association between gender-affirming testosterone and internalizing symptomatology. While participants in our previous study consisted of 42 TNBAFAB youth, participants in the current study included adolescent TNBAFAB receiving GAHT (n = 21; GAHT+) and not receiving GAHT (n = 29; GAHT-) as well as adolescent GAHT+ TNBAMAB (n = 15) and GAHT- TNBAMAB (n = 17). Participants reported symptoms of trait and social anxiety, depression, suicidality in the past year, and body image dissatisfaction. Brain activation was measured during a face processing task designed to elicit amygdala activation during functional MRI. RESULTS GAHT+ TNBAFAB had significantly lower rates of social anxiety, depression, and suicidality compared to GAHT- TNBAFAB. While there were no significant relationships between estrogen and depression and anxiety symptoms, longer duration of estrogen was related to less suicidality. Both testosterone and estrogen administration were related to significantly lower rates of body image dissatisfaction compared to GAHT- youth. No significant differences emerged for BOLD response in the left or right amygdala during the face processing task, however, there was a significant main effect of GAHT on functional connectivity between the right amygdala and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, such that GAHT+ youth had stronger co-activation between the two regions during the task. Body image dissatisfaction, greater functional connectivity, their interaction effect, and age predicted depression symptomatology and body image dissatisfaction additionally predicted suicidality in the past year. CONCLUSION The current study suggests that GAHT is associated with fewer short-term internalizing symptoms in TNBAFAB than in TNBAMAB, although internalizing symptoms among TNBAMAB may diminish with longer durations of estrogen treatment. Controlling for age and sex assigned at birth, our findings indicate that less body image dissatisfaction and greater functional connectivity between the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex were both predictors of fewer levels of internalizing symptoms following GAHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Grannis
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Whitney I Mattson
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Scott F Leibowitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Leena Nahata
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Endocrinology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University Wexner College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Diane Chen
- Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, and Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA; Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John F Strang
- Gender Development Program and Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Children's National Research Institute at Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Heather Thobe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Justin A Indyk
- Department of Endocrinology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Eric E Nelson
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University Wexner College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
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Marconi E, Monti L, Marfoli A, Kotzalidis GD, Janiri D, Cianfriglia C, Moriconi F, Costa S, Veredice C, Sani G, Chieffo DPR. A systematic review on gender dysphoria in adolescents and young adults: focus on suicidal and self-harming ideation and behaviours. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:110. [PMID: 37735422 PMCID: PMC10515052 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00654-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gender dysphoria (GD) is characterized by the incongruence between one's experienced and expressed gender and assigned-sex-at-birth; it is associated with clinically significant distress. In recent years, the number of young patients diagnosed with GD has increased considerably. Recent studies reported that GD adolescents present behavioural and emotional problems and internalizing problems. Furthermore, this population shows a prevalence of psychiatric symptoms, like depression and anxiety. Several studies showed high rates of suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious thoughts and behaviour in GD adolescents. To increase understanding of overall mental health status and potential risks of young people with GD, this systematic review focused on risk of suicide and self-harm gestures. METHODS We followed the PRISMA 2020 statement, collecting empirical studies from four electronic databases, i.e., PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. RESULTS Twenty-one studies on GD and gender nonconforming identity, suicidality, and self-harm in adolescents and young adults met inclusion criteria. Results showed that GD adolescents have more suicidal ideation, life-threatening behaviour, self-injurious thoughts or self-harm than their cisgender peers. Assessment methods were heterogeneous. CONCLUSION A standardised assessment is needed. Understanding the mental health status of transgender young people could help develop and provide effective clinical pathways and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Marconi
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Monti
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelica Marfoli
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart-Rome, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios D Kotzalidis
- NESMOS Department (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), University of Rome "La Sapienza", Via Di Grottarossa1035-1039, 00198, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Head, Neck and Thorax, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart-Rome, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Delfina Janiri
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Head, Neck and Thorax, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart-Rome, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Cianfriglia
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart-Rome, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Moriconi
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Costa
- UOSD Operative Unit Psychiatry and Psychotherapy for Adolescents, Azienda USL Di Bologna, Ospedale MaggioreLargo Bartolo Nigrisoli, 2, 40133, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Veredice
- Pediatric Neuropsychiatry Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Head, Neck and Thorax, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart-Rome, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Departement of Life Sciences and Public Health Department, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
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Stratakis CA. Studies on transgender medicine, exploring databases, and more on metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Hormones (Athens) 2023; 22:355-356. [PMID: 37615848 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00478-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Constantine A Stratakis
- Hellenic Endocrine Society, HORMONES, Athens, Greece.
- Human Genetics & Precision Medicine, IMBB, FORTH, Heraklion, Greece.
- Medical Genetics, H. Dunant Hospital, Athens, Greece.
- ELPEN Research Institute, Athens, Greece.
- NIH Clinical Center, NICHD, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Cooper K, Butler C, Russell A, Mandy W. The lived experience of gender dysphoria in autistic young people: a phenomenological study with young people and their parents. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:1655-1666. [PMID: 35377050 PMCID: PMC8977566 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-01979-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gender dysphoria is distress in relation to incongruence between an individual's gender and sex assigned at birth. Gender clinics offer support for gender dysphoria, and there is a higher prevalence of autism in young people attending such clinics than in the general population. We aimed to investigate the lived experiences of autistic young people who have experienced gender dysphoria, and their parents, using a multi-perspectival IPA design. Young autistic people aged 13-17 years (n = 15), and their parents (n = 16), completed in-depth interviews about the young person's experience of gender dysphoria. We analysed each individual transcript to generate individual themes, and for each of the dyads, developed themes which acknowledged the similarities and differences in parent-child perspectives. The first superordinate theme was coping with distress which had two subordinate themes; understanding difficult feelings and focus on alleviating distress with external support. This theme described how young people were overwhelmed by negative feelings which they came to understand as being about gender incongruence and looked to alleviate these feelings through a gender transition. The second superordinate theme was working out who I am which had two subordinate themes: the centrality of different identities and needs and thinking about gender. This theme described how young people and their parents focused on different needs; while young people more often focused on their gender-related needs, parents focused on autism-related needs. We conclude that young people and parents may have different perspectives and priorities when it comes to meeting the needs of autistic young people who experience gender dysphoria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Cooper
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Catherine Butler
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, EX4 4QG, Exeter, UK
| | - Ailsa Russell
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - William Mandy
- Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, UCL Research, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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Donaldson L, Okifo F, Garcia-Rodriguez L. Preparing for Facial Feminization Surgery. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2023; 31:349-354. [PMID: 37348976 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsc.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Preparing for facial feminization surgery (FFS) or gender-affirming facial surgery is a daunting task. Patients do extensive research online to see what FFS means. Oftentimes it is the patients who are educating their physicians when discussing medical clearance or the esteemed "therapy letter." The therapy letter is a letter that details the support for surgery in a stable patient and reaffirms the need to have FFS in a person diagnosed with gender dysphoria. This typically follows the World Professional Association for Transgender Health standards-of-care guidelines. Besides having the therapy letter, patients must be counseled on concurrent mental health illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lane Donaldson
- Department of Otolaryngology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Fejiro Okifo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Schwarz K, Cielo CA, Spritzer PM, Villas-Boas AP, Costa AB, Fontanari AMV, Costa Gomes B, da Silva DC, Schneider MA, Lobato MIR. A speech therapy for transgender women: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Syst Rev 2023; 12:128. [PMID: 37481572 PMCID: PMC10363306 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02267-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We systematically reviewed the literature and performed a meta-analysis on the effects of speech therapy and phonosurgery, for transgender women, in relation to the fundamental frequency gain of the voice, regarding the type of vocal sample collected, and we compared the effectiveness of the treatments. In addition, the study design, year, country, types of techniques used, total therapy time, and vocal assessment protocols were analyzed. METHODS We searched the PubMed, Lilacs, and SciELO databases for observational studies and clinical trials, published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, between January 2010 and January 2023. The selection of studies was carried out according to Prisma 2020. The quality of selected studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS Of 493 studies, 31 were deemed potentially eligible and retrieved for full-text review and 16 were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Six studies performed speech therapy and ten studies phonosurgery. The speech therapy time did not influence the post-treatment gain in voice fundamental frequency (p = 0.6254). The type of sample collected significantly influenced the post-treatment voice frequency gain (p < 0.01). When the vocal sample was collected through vowel (p < 0.01) and reading (p < 0.01), the gain was significantly more heterogeneous between the different types of treatment. Phonosurgery is significantly more effective in terms of fundamental frequency gain compared to speech therapy alone, regardless of the type of sample collected (p < 0.01). The average gain of fundamental frequency after speech therapy, in the /a/ vowel sample, was 27 Hz, 39.05 Hz in reading, and 25.42 Hz in spontaneous speech. In phonosurgery, there was a gain of 71.68 Hz for the vowel /a/, 41.07 Hz in reading, and 39.09 Hz in spontaneous speech. The study with the highest gain (110 Hz) collected vowels, and the study with the lowest gain (15 Hz), spontaneous speech. The major of the included studies received a score between 4 and 8 on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. CONCLUSION The type of vocal sample collected influences the gain result of the fundamental frequency after treatment. Speech therapy and phonosurgery increased the fundamental frequency and improved female voice perception and vocal satisfaction. However, phonosurgery yielded a greater fundamental frequency gain in the different samples collected. The study protocol was registered at Prospero (CRD42017078446).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Schwarz
- Department of Psychiatry, Gender Identity Program at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, 90035-003 Brazil
- Gynecological Endocrinology Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul Brazil
| | - Carla Aparecida Cielo
- Department of Speech Therapy, Voice Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul Brazil
| | - Poli Mara Spritzer
- Department of Psychiatry, Gender Identity Program at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, 90035-003 Brazil
- Gynecological Endocrinology Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul Brazil
- Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul Brazil
| | - Anna Paula Villas-Boas
- Department of Psychiatry, Gender Identity Program at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, 90035-003 Brazil
| | - Angelo Brandelli Costa
- Psychology Graduate Program, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul Brazil
| | - Anna Martha Vaitses Fontanari
- Department of Psychiatry, Gender Identity Program at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, 90035-003 Brazil
- Psychology Graduate Program, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul Brazil
| | | | - Dhiordan Cardoso da Silva
- Department of Psychiatry, Gender Identity Program at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, 90035-003 Brazil
| | - Maiko Abel Schneider
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Neuroscience, McMaster University, Ontario, Canadá
| | - Maria Inês Rodrigues Lobato
- Department of Psychiatry, Gender Identity Program at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, 90035-003 Brazil
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Sandberg ES, Baines HK, Aye T, Harris RM, Hart-Unger S, Lopez X, Nikita ME, Nokoff NJ, Persky R, Roberts SA. A self-guided curriculum on endocrinology standard of care for gender diverse youth, including ethical considerations. Endocr Metab Sci 2023; 11:100131. [PMID: 37501755 PMCID: PMC10373477 DOI: 10.1016/j.endmts.2023.100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective While the field of pediatric endocrinology, and the American Board of Pediatrics, continues expanding training to include gender-affirming care, many pediatric endocrinology fellowship programs do not have formal curriculum for this patient population. Members of the Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES) that have a special interest in transgender health designed a curriculum based on Endocrine Society practice guidelines to expand the knowledge of gender affirming care for medical trainees' and faculty. Methods PES members designed a 5-part self-guided educational module series with embedded knowledge questions. Uniquely, medical ethical reflections were included within each module. Participants completed baseline demographic and baseline and follow-up knowledge surveys. Results Most participants were pediatric endocrinology fellows and 44 % percent (n = 21) completed all study components, including the follow up knowledge survey. Knowledge question data analysis demonstrated knowledge gained in medical management of pubertal youth and surgical interventions. Conclusion This is the first medical education curriculum in gender-affirming care created by pediatric endocrinologists grounded in the Endocrine Society practice guidelines. This study demonstrates medical knowledge gained in caring for gender diverse youth and is the first to incorporate ethical considerations for this patient population. While initially designed for pediatric endocrinology trainees and faculty, this curriculum may be of great utility for any provider interested in caring for gender diverse youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S. Sandberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Hayley K. Baines
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Tandy Aye
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Rebecca M. Harris
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Sarah Hart-Unger
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Healthcare System, Hollywood, FL, United States of America
| | - Ximena Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Maria Eleni Nikita
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Natalie J. Nokoff
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Persky
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Stephanie A. Roberts
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Micangeli G, Profeta G, Colloridi F, Pirro F, Tarani F, Ferraguti G, Spaziani M, Isidori AM, Menghi M, Fiore M, Tarani L. The role of the pediatrician in the management of the child and adolescent with gender dysphoria. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:71. [PMID: 37316904 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01466-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Gender dysphoria is a clinical condition characterized by significant distress due to the discordance between biological sex and gender identity. Currently, gender dysphoria is also found more frequently in children and adolescents, thanks to greater social sensibleness and new therapeutic possibilities. In fact, it is estimated that the prevalence of gender dysphoria in pediatric age is between 0.5% and 2% based on the statistics of the various countries. Therefore, the pediatrician cannot fail to update himself on these issues and above all should be the reference figure in the management of these patients. Even if the patient must be directed to a referral center and be followed up by a multidisciplinary team, the treating pediatrician will care to coordinate the clinical and therapeutic framework. The aim of the present report is therefore to integrate literature data with our clinical experience to propose a new clinical approach in which the pediatrician should be the reference in the care of these patients, directing them towards the best therapeutic approach and staying in contact with the specialists of the referral center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginevra Micangeli
- Department of Pediatrics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Profeta
- Department of Pediatrics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Federica Pirro
- Department of Pediatrics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Spaziani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Menghi
- Department of Pediatrics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Ciancia S, Iughetti L. How do Italian pediatric endocrinologists approach gender incongruence? Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:70. [PMID: 37316939 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01471-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender incongruence (GI) is a term used to describe a marked and persistent incompatibility between the sex assigned at birth (SAAB) and the experienced gender. Some persons presenting with GI experience a severe psychological distress defined as gender dysphoria (GD).. Although the prevalence of GI is probably underestimated, recently a great increase in numbers of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youths presenting at the gender clinics has been registered. After a careful multidisciplinary evaluation and upon acquisition of informed consent from the youth and the legal guardian(s), puberty suppression can be started in TGD youths, followed by the addition of gender affirming hormones (GAH) by the age of 16 years. Although Italian specific guidelines are available, their application is often complex because of (among other reasons) lack of specialized centers and healthcare professional with experience in the field and the regional differences within the Italian healthcare system. MAIN BODY To investigate the care offered to TGD youths across Italy, we proposed a survey of 20 questions to the directors of the 32 Italian Centers of pediatric endocrinology participating to the Study Group on Growth and Puberty of the Italian Society of Pediatric Endocrinology (ISPED). Eighteen pediatric endocrinologists representative of 16 different centers belonging to 11 different regions responded to the survey. In the large majority of centers TGD youths are taken in charge between the age of 12 and 18 years and at least three healthcare professional are involved. Most of Italian pediatric endocrinologists follow only a very limited number of TGD youths and reference centers for TGD youths are lacking. CONCLUSION There is an urgent need for gender clinics (homogeneously distributed on the national territory) where TGD youths can access high standard care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ciancia
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mother, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, Modena, 41124, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mother, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, Modena, 41124, Italy.
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Jorgensen SCJ. Transition Regret and Detransition: Meanings and Uncertainties. Arch Sex Behav 2023:10.1007/s10508-023-02626-2. [PMID: 37266795 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02626-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Gender transition is undertaken to improve the well-being of people suffering from gender dysphoria. However, some have argued that the evidence supporting medical interventions for gender transition (e.g., hormonal therapies and surgery) is weak and inconclusive, and an increasing number of people have come forward recently to share their experiences of transition regret and detransition. In this essay, I discuss emerging clinical and research issues related to transition regret and detransition with the aim of arming clinicians with the latest information so they can support patients navigating the challenges of regret and detransition. I begin by describing recent changes in the epidemiology of gender dysphoria, conceptualization of transgender identification, and models of care. I then discuss the potential impact of these changes on regret and detransition; the prevalence of desistance, regret, and detransition; reasons for detransition; and medical and mental healthcare needs of detransitioners. Although recent data have shed light on a complex range of experiences that lead people to detransition, research remains very much in its infancy. Little is known about the medical and mental healthcare needs of these patients, and there is currently no guidance on best practices for clinicians involved in their care. Moreover, the term detransition can hold a wide array of possible meanings for transgender-identifying people, detransitioners, and researchers, leading to inconsistences in its usage. Moving forward, minimizing harm will require conducting robust research, challenging fundamental assumptions, scrutinizing of practice patterns, and embracing debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C J Jorgensen
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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Turban JL, Dolotina B, Freitag TM, King D, Keuroghlian AS. Age of Realization and Disclosure of Gender Identity Among Transgender Adults. J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:852-859. [PMID: 36935303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The "rapid-onset gender dysphoria" (ROGD) hypothesis theorized, based on a parent-report survey, a distinct and more transient form of gender dysphoria in which individuals purportedly come to understand themselves as transgender and/or gender diverse (TGD) suddenly during adolescence. This study evaluated components of ROGD by (1) estimating the prevalence among TGD adults of first realizing one's TGD identity after childhood (i.e., after the onset of puberty), and (2) assessing the median time between realizing one's gender identity and disclosing this to someone else. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2015 US Transgender Survey, a survey of 27,715 TGD adults in the United States. Participants were asked the age at which they first realized their gender identity was different than societal expectations based on their sex assigned at birth and grouped by "childhood realization" (ages ≤ 10 years) and "later realization" (ages > 10). They were also asked the age at which they first shared their gender identity with another person. RESULTS Of 27,497 participants, 40.8% reported "later realization" of TGD identities. Within the "childhood realization" group, the median age of sharing one's gender identity with another person was 20. In this group, the median time between realization of one's gender identity and sharing this with another person was 14 years. DISCUSSION A substantial proportion of TGD adults reported realizing their gender identity was different from societal expectations based on their sex assigned at birth during adolescence or later. Several years typically elapsed between participants' TGD identity realization and sharing this with another person. The results of this study do not support the ROGD hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack L Turban
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California; Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| | - Brett Dolotina
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | | | - Dana King
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alex S Keuroghlian
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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