Negative Media Coverage as a Barrier to Accessing Care for Transgender Children and Adolescents

Gender-Affirming Treatment of Gender Dysphoria in Youth: A Perfect Storm Environment for the Placebo Effect—The Implications for Research and Clinical Practice

“…This is despite the reports of the sudden emergence of gender dysphoria, especially in adolescence, and its association with social influence (Kaltiala-Heino, 2022 ; Littman, 2018 , 2021 ; Marchiano, 2017 ). Gender clinicians also condemn and have attempted to prevent what they consider as excessively negative media coverage of GAT (although others judge it as reasonable and balanced) (Australian Press Council, 2021 ; Pang et al, 2022 ). These clinicians are likely correct that critical media coverage of GAT could negatively impact referrals to gender clinics and might upset some patients.…”

Uncertainty in complex healthcare settings – The need for a comprehensive approach

“…Such implicit normativity masks moral uncertainty and prevents people from recognizing and discussing it [27]. In recent years, implicit normativity in transgender healthcare has been brought to the surface, through both the voices of transgender persons and the increasingly politicized and polarized debate [28,29]. This has served as a catalyst for the experience of moral uncertainty by those involved in transgender care.…”

Removing Barriers and Honoring Autonomy: Rethinking Mental Health Professional Assessments in Adolescent Gender-Affirming Medical Care

“…Many may be hesitant to do so in settings with limited institutional support for gender-affirming care and political climates that emphasize the risk of detransition and regret as a basis of criticism and restriction of GAMC. [30][31][32][33][34][35][36] Adopting a strong ethical framework rooted in patient autonomy may increase the likelihood of adopting such an approach.…”

“…Pediatricians, including pediatric endocrinologists and adolescent medicine practitioners who deliver GAMC, are often capable of assessing their patients for receipt of GAMC without additional consultation from an MHP. Many may be hesitant to do so in settings with limited institutional support for gender-affirming care and political climates that emphasize the risk of detransition and regret as a basis of criticism and restriction of GAMC 30–36 . Adopting a strong ethical framework rooted in patient autonomy may increase the likelihood of adopting such an approach.…”