Citation

Griffin L, Clyde K, Byng R, Bewley S. BJPsych Bull 2021; 45(5): 291-299.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Royal College of Psychiatrists)

DOI

10.1192/bjb.2020.73

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In the past decade there has been a rapid increase in gender diversity, particularly in children and young people, with referrals to specialist gender clinics rising. In this article, the evolving terminology around transgender health is considered and the role of psychiatry is explored now that this condition is no longer classified as a mental illness. The concept of conversion therapy with reference to alternative gender identities is examined critically and with reference to psychiatry's historical relationship with conversion therapy for homosexuality. The authors consider the uncertainties that clinicians face when dealing with something that is no longer a disorder nor a mental condition and yet for which medical interventions are frequently sought and in which mental health comorbidities are common. Copyright © The Authors 2020.

Language: en

Keywords

human; mental health; suicide; Ethics; Review; Comorbidity; transgender; psychiatry; sex difference; gender identity; comorbidity; homosexuality; mental disease; sexual orientation; automutilation; Phenomenology; feminism; uncertainty; clinician; Consent and capacity; conversion therapy (sexual orientation); Sexual and gender identity disorders