Puberty suppression relieves stress for GID patients
01-September-2010
By Ella Feinberg Large
A Dutch study has found suppressing puberty in adolescents suffering from
gender identity disorder (GID) can relieve stress and can assist a “balanced decision” regarding future gender reassignment.
The adolescents were assessed twice for psychological functioning and gender dysphoria.
“Adolescents showed fewer behaviour and emotional problems, reported fewer depressive symptoms, feelings of anxiety and anger remained stable, and their general functioning improved between the two assessments,” researchers reported in the
Journal of Sexual Medicine.
“Suppression of the development of secondary sex characteristics resulted in physical appearance allowing for a smooth transition into the desired gender role.”
“The main issues [with the findings] are going to be, psychologically, whether it’s going to be of benefit or not,” she said.
“And the evidence that is available would be that in selected cases it can certainly reduce suffering.”
Currently in Australia, adolescent GnRHa treatment requires court approval, however, many lawyers say it should be a clinical issue and has nothing to do with the courts.
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