Frequency of mental health problems in transgendered people
While research is scant, transgendered persons appear to be at
similar risk for mental health problems as other persons who
experience major life changes, relationship difficulties,
chronic medical conditions, or significant discrimination on
the basis of minority status.
Depression
There is some evidence that transgendered persons may be less
likely to seek treatment for depression, fearing that their
gender issues will be assumed to be the cause of their
symptoms, and that they will be judged negatively. Because of
these and other factors, depression associated with gender
transition may be underdiagnosed.
Victimization and Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD)
Many transgendered persons experience some form of
victimization as a direct result of their transgender identity
or presentation. This victimization ranges from subtle forms
of harassment and discrimination to blatant verbal, physical,
and sexual assault, including beatings, rape, and even
homicide. The majority of assaults against transgender persons
are never reported to the police. A link between these
experiences and mental health disorders, such as Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD), is widely suspected, but has not been
adequately documented.
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Q & A
What does transsexual mean?
Why might transsexual and transgendered people have special
health concerns?
Emotional issues for transgendered and transsexual people.
Frequency of mental health problems in
transgendered people
Related Pages
Mental Health & Depression Among LGBTIQ
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