Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth: Psychosocial and Medical Considerations

R I Med J (2013). 2016 Sep 1;99(9):31-4.

Abstract

Primary care providers are increasingly called upon to care for youth that are gender nonconforming. While these youth have the same health concerns as their cisgender peers, gender nonconforming youth face additional challenges. Traditionally, this has been an underserved and marginalized population at significant risk for multiple negative mental and physical health outcomes. Despite the history of disheartening health outcomes, there is hope in interventions that may serve to ameliorate the risks for transgender youth. Studies indicate that with collaborative multidisciplinary interventions by physicians and mental health professionals that promote early identification, emphasize parental support and directly address the patient's gender dysphoria with medical and psychological interventions, transgender youth can reach adulthood without psychological sequela. [Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2016-09.asp, free with no login].

Keywords: dysphoria; gender; transgender; transition.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Female
  • Gender Identity*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services
  • Primary Health Care
  • Social Support
  • Transgender Persons / psychology*
  • Transsexualism / epidemiology*