Discrimination and psychopathology in gender dysphoria: a hormone therapy

• Published in: Journal of Sexual Health Psychology Vol. 1; no. 2; pp. 30 - 38
• Main Authors: Esmail Shirdel Havar, Gijsbert Stoet
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Esmail Shirdel Havar 01-09-2022
• Subjects: discrimination; gender dysphoria; hormone therapy; psychopathology
• ISSN: 2821-1510
• DOI: 10.52547/jshp.1.2.30

Purpose: One of the strategies for treating gender dysphoria is cross-sex hormone therapy (CHT). Our study aimed to explore the differences in the psychopathology of people with gender dysphoria who received the hormone with those who did not this treatment. We also wanted to explore discrimination and rejection among people with gender dysphoria.Methods: We administered a demographic questionnaire and the structured clinical interview for DSM Axis I disorders (SCID_I) to all participants. Our study sample consisted of 41 people with gender dysphoria (20 MtF and 21 FtM), of whom 21 received Cross-sex hormone therapy (CHT) and 20 did not.Results: Results indicated that they were on CHT had lower psychological problems than those who did not receive hormone therapy. CHT was influenced by gender dysphoria’s psychological health. On the other hand, gender dysphoria that doesn’t receive CHT, had further depression, anxiety, obsession-compulsion, and in general Axis-I disorders. We also found that male-to-female people with gender dysphoria were more likely to suffer from discrimination and rejection.Conclusions: We concluded that CHT could affect the mental health of people with gender dysphoria. Our knowledge of the role of discrimination, ridicule and rejection on the psychological pathology of people with gender dysphoria can help specialists to find the best treatment for these people.