The lifetime prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses in an academic gender reassignment service.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the literature regarding the prevalence of mental health concerns, including psychiatric diagnoses in the TGNC community.

RECENT FINDINGS: Gender dysphoria is not the only mental health concern experienced by some members of TGNC people. Stigma and discrimination play a role in the development of mental health concerns. Even after reassignment surgery some members of the TGNC community is almost five times more likely to attempt suicide. Using a structured clinical psychiatric interview improves the likelihood of recognizing the presence of psychiatric diagnoses. Nonaffirming attitudes and behavior seem to predispose to psychiatric symptoms in some members of the TGNC community and impacts on family and peer relationships. Psychiatric symptoms are often hidden for fear of further discrimination.

SUMMARY: A significant proportion of the TGNC community present with mental health concerns. Clinicians should screen appropriately for these concerns. Gender affirming interventions generally have an efficacious effect.