Citation

Surace T, Fusar-Poli L, Vozza L, Cavone V, Arcidiacono C, Mammano R, Basile L, Rodolico A, Bisicchia P, Caponnetto P, Signorelli MS, Aguglia E. Eur. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00787-020-01508-5

PMID

32170434

Abstract

Gender identity represents a topic of growing interest in mental health research. People with non-conforming gender identity are prone to suffer from stigmatization and bullying and often present psychiatric issues, which may in turn lead to a high prevalence of suicidal ideation and behaviors. The present meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviors in gender non-conforming children, adolescents and young adults. A systematic search was performed in Web of Science and PsycINFO from inception to December 2018. We selected cross-sectional and cohort studies including youths (up to 25 years) with a diagnosis confirmed by a clinician according to international classifications, or after a direct interview with a peer. A random-effects meta-analysis was computed for the following outcomes: non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Overall, we found a mean prevalence of NSSI of 28.2% (9 studies, 3057 participants, 95% CI 14.8-47.1). A similar prevalence (28%) was found for suicidal ideation (6 studies, 2249 participants, 95% CI 15-46.3), while the prevalence of suicide attempts was 14.8% (5 studies, 1039 participants, 95% CI 7.8-26.3). Subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences according to biological sex. Given the prevalence of suicidal behaviors in gender non-conforming youths, it appears desirable to implement therapeutic and support strategies for this population. Moreover, educational interventions directed to parents, teachers, mental health professionals and general community should be promoted to struggle against stigma and social isolation, factors that may contribute to increasing the risk of suicidal behaviors.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescents; Children; Gender dysphoria; Gender identity; Gender incongruence; Minority stress; Self-injury; Suicide