Mental health and timing of gender-related events among transgender and gender-diverse children and adolescents seeking gender-affirming consultation and care

• Published in: Psychiatry research Vol. 342; p. 116175
• Main Authors: Topaz, Erez, Perl, Liat, Raphael, Ido, Sheppes, Tamar, Erez, Galit, Israeli, Galit, Segev-Becker, Anat, Oren, Asaf, Shechner, Tomer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 01-12-2024
• Subjects: Gender affirming; Gender dysphoria; Gender incongruence; Neurodiversity; Non-binary; Pubertal stage; Socioeconomic position; Gender affirming; Gender incongruence; Socioeconomic position; Gender dysphoria; Non-binary; Pubertal stage; Neurodiversity
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116175
• EISSN: 1872-7123
• ISSN: 0165-1781; 1872-7123

•Prevalence of psychopathology was high among TGD youth.•Pubertal stage and age at referral were positively correlated with psychopathology.•Earlier gender-incongruence memory was associated with less psychopathology.•Socioeconomic status was linked to timing of healthcare-seeking behaviors.•High prevalence of neurodiversity—specifically ASD and intellectual giftedness.
Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth encounter unique challenges affecting their mental health, largely related to societal stigma and gender dysphoria. Limited research considers the specific needs of TGD youth. This study examined demographic and developmental factors, including the ages at which gender-related events occur, and their relationship to mental health among TGD youth seeking gender-affirming consultation and care (GACC). We examined the medical records of 674 TGD children and adolescents, comparing demographics, gender-related events, and mental health across gender groups. The total sample comprised 261 patients assigned male at birth, and 413 patients assigned female at birth. Non-binary individuals reported higher rates of psychopathology compared to binary transgender patients, with transgender boys exhibiting higher rates than transgender girls. Seeking GACC at a more advanced pubertal stage and older age was associated with an increased likelihood of psychopathology. Later recollection of first gender incongruence memory was correlated with higher rates of depression and anxiety. Finally, socioeconomic status was linked to GACC healthcare-seeking behaviors. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing the diverse experiences and needs of TGD youth seeking GACC services, highlighting that early identification and access to care may be crucial for improving mental health outcomes.