Parents Report Child’s ‘Mental Health Deteriorated Considerably’ After Transitioning: Study

A new study has found that parents are reporting deteriorated mental health outcomes for their children after transitioning, often under pressure to treat gender dysphoria. Psychology professor Michael Bailey from Northwestern University analyzed survey data collected by Parents of Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria (ROGD) Kids, an anonymous support group for parents of youth and young adult children who identify as the opposite sex or non-binary. The survey data revealed families with children who identified as transgender between the ages of 11 and 21. Bailey’s study found that girls were more susceptible to gender dysphoria than boys, with 75% of gender dysphoric children being biological females. Furthermore, girls were more likely to transition socially or medically to match their gender identity. The study also found that a history of mental health issues was common among children who struggled with gender dysphoria. Parents reported feeling pressured by clinicians to support their children’s transition and affirm their new gender, and this often resulted in considerably worse mental health outcomes for children after transitioning.

Parents of ROGD Kids say the study supports their concern that social contagion is a significant cause of gender dysphoria and transgender identification in young people, particularly girls, who are more susceptible to groupthink and suggestion from their social circles. The group argues that most youth who identify as gender dysphoric may be describing general feelings of dysphoria that they do not understand and for which transitioning would not help. In its press release, the group calls for a cautious approach towards transitioning.

The group also contested a Washington Post article published last month claiming that transgender treatment leads to happier outcomes for individuals who identify as transgender. Parents of ROGD Kids cited a survey that found while most trans adults may feel happier after transitioning, they rated themselves worse than the total surveyed population on mental health and social functioning. The survey also showed that 78% of trans respondents had serious mental health issues in their childhood or teenage years, supporting their conclusion that transitioning does not improve social and emotional functioning.