Transgender and non-binary adolescents who received specialized medical care, including hormonal treatment and puberty blockers, had a 60% reduction in depression and 76% reduction in suicidal thoughts one year after treatment. In addition, youth who did not have access to these services were twice as likely to develop moderate to grave depression and six times as likely to develop self-mutilation thoughts six months after medical care. The results are from a study published in the medical scientific journal Jama Network Open in February this year.
The 31st of March is the International Day of Transgender Visibility, a date dedicated to raising awareness of the prejudice and discrimination faced by this group of individuals.
The research sought to assess the effect of affirmative therapies on the mental health of transgender and non-binary adolescents and youth aged 13 to 20 years. Patients were recruited by a specialized clinic in Seattle, United States, and followed up for one year.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon