TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2010//
TI  - 70 U.S. veterans with gender identity disturbances: A descriptive study
JO  - International journal of transgenderism
A1  - McDuffie, E.
A1  - Brown, G.R.
SP  - 21
EP  - 30
VL  - 12
IS  - 1
N2  - This study describes the largest population of veterans referred for a gender identity disorder (GID) evaluation. Most were self-referred, others were referred by their commanding officer. A search of the English language literature revealed no similar studies on veterans other than a pilot project by the second author. <br><br>METHODS: Retrospective descriptive data were obtained from chart reviews of 70 U.S. veterans who were evaluated by the second author for gender disturbances over a 20-year period (1987 to 2007). The modal veteran with gender identity disturbance was a natal male (91%) identifying as female, >40 years old, Caucasian, employed, with more than 12 years of education. Fifty-seven percent were parents with a history of sexual involvement with opposite sex individuals. Histories of autogynephilia were not elicited in vets interviewed since 1997. Classic "flight into hypermasculinity" was described by a majority of the natal male vets as a retrospective understanding of why they joined the military. Psychiatric comorbidities (43%) included post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, schizophrenia (N = 1), substance use disorders (17%), dissociative identity disorder (N = 1), and personality disorders (11%). Ninety-three percent met criteria for diagnosis of GID or GID not otherwise specified; suicidal ideation was reported by 61% with one or more suicide attempts by 11% of 56 responding; and 4% reported genital self-harm. Although 11% expressed active thoughts of surgical self-treatment, most expressed a desire for physician-performed sex reassignment surgery (SRS). Cross-dressing behaviors were common, and currently reported arousal with cross-dressing was reported by 13%, 63% of whom were not diagnosed with GID. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Veterans often reported that they joined the military in an attempt to purge their transgender feelings, believing the military environment would "make men" of them. Most were discharged before completing a 20-year career. More than half received health care at veterans affairs medical centers, often due to medical or psychiatric disabilities incurred during service. Comorbid Axis I diagnoses were common, as were suicidal thoughts and behaviors.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1553-2739
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15532731003688962
ID  - ref1
ER  -