Changes in Anxiety and Depression from Intake to First Follow-Up Among Transgender Youth in a Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic

Annette L Cantu; Danielle N Moyer; Kara J Connelly; Amy L Holley

doi:10.1089/trgh.2019.0077

Changes in Anxiety and Depression from Intake to First Follow-Up Among Transgender Youth in a Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic

Transgend Health. 2020 Sep 2;5(3):196-200. doi: 10.1089/trgh.2019.0077. eCollection 2020 Sep.

Authors

Annette L Cantu¹, Danielle N Moyer¹, Kara J Connelly², Amy L Holley¹

Affiliations

¹ Divisions of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
² Divisions of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.

Abstract

Monitoring acute distress in transgender youth initiating gender-affirming care is important given their increased risk for significant mental health symptoms. The current study examined changes in anxiety, depression, and suicidality from initial appointment to first follow-up in 80 youth, ages 11-18. Average time between visits was ∼4 months but varied across participants. Results revealed no change in acute distress from intake to follow-up. Neither distance from medical center nor initiation of hormone therapy was associated with symptom changes. While research shows decreased distress with initiation of hormones, study findings suggest changes may actually take longer to occur.

Keywords: access to care; acute distress; behavioral health screeners; gender dysphoria; mental health; transgender.