according to an American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement published in Pediatrics.
Dr. Gerald Montano, an adolescent medicine physician at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh who works in the Gender and Sexual Development Program there, talks with a patient.
The policy statement defines the gender-affirmative care model as one that provide “developmentally appropriate care that is oriented toward understanding and appreciating the youth’s gender experience,” wrote Jason Rafferty, MD, of the department of pediatrics at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, R.I., and the department of child psychiatryf at Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, East Providence, R.I. Dr. Rafferty serves on the AAP Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. The AAP Committee on Adolescence, Section on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health and Wellness also participated in writing this policy statement.
The model emphasizes four main points, according to the statement:
- Transgender and gender-diverse identities are not mental disorders.
- Variations in gender identity are “normal aspects of human diversity.”
- Gender identity “evolves as a result of the interaction between biology, development, socialization, and culture.”
- Any mental health issue “most often stems from stigma and negative experiences” rather than being “intrinsic” to the child.
In the gender-affirmative approach, a supportive, nonjudgmental partnership between you, the patient, and the patient’s family is encouraged to “facilitate exploration of complicated emotions and gender-diverse expressions while allowing questions and concerns to be raised,” Dr. Rafferty said. This contrasts with “reparative” or “conversion” treatment, which seeks to change rather than accept the patient’s gender identity.
The AAP statement also recommends accessibility of family therapy, addressing the emotional and mental health needs not only of the patient, but also the parents, caregivers, and siblings.
The policy statement provides definitions for common terminology and distinguishes between “sex” as assigned at birth, based on anatomy, and “gender identity,” described as one’s internal sense of self. It also emphasizes that gender identity is not synonymous with sexual orientation, although the two may be interrelated. “The Gender Book” website is a resource that explains these terms and concepts.
A 2015 study revealed that 25% of transgender adults avoided a necessary doctor appointment because they feared mistreatment. Creating an environment at your office where TGD patients feel safe is key. This can be done by displaying posters or having flyers about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) issues and having a gender-neutral bathroom. Educate staff by having diversity training that makes them sensitive to the needs of LGBTQ youth and their families. Patient-asserted names and pronouns should be used by staff and reflected in the EHR. “Explaining and maintaining confidentiality procedures promotes openness and trust, particularly with youth who identify as LGBTQ,” according to the statement. “Maintaining a safe clinical space can provide at least one consistent, protective refuge for patients and families, allowing authentic gender expression and exploration that builds resiliency.”
Barriers to care cited in the report include fear of discrimination by providers, lack of access to physical and sexual health services, inadequate mental health resources, and lack of provider continuity. The AAP recommends that EHRs respect the gender identity of the patient. Further research into health disparities, as well as establishment of standards of care, also are needed, the author notes.
The stigma and discrimination often experienced by TGD youth lead to feelings of rejection and isolation. Prior research has shown that transgender adolescents and adults have high rates of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide, the report noted. One retrospective study found that 56% of transgender youth reported previous suicidal ideation, compared with 20% of those who identified as cisgender, and 31% reported a prior suicide attempt, compared with 11% cisgender youth. TGD youth also experience high rates of homelessness, violence, substance abuse, and high-risk sexual behaviors, studies have shown.
The statement also addresses issues such as medical interventions for pubertal suppression, surgical affirmation, difficulties with obtaining insurance coverage because of being transgender, family acceptance, safety in schools and communities, and medical education.
No disclosures or funding sources were reported.
SOURCE: Rafferty J et al. Pediatrics. 2018;142(4):e20182162.