UK study shows puberty blockers worsened mental distress in transgender teens.
About a third of trans-identified teens put on puberty blockers suffered a significant decline in mental health, according to new analysis of a survey from the United Kingdom.
In August, researchers published an updated review of data from a 2021 study in the U.K. on medRxiv, a preprint service for medical research. The original study conducted by the U.K. National Health Service (NHS) examined 44 children aged 12 to 15 over three years who were prescribed puberty-blocking drugs to treat gender dysphoria. Participants took triptorelin, a prostate cancer medicine used to inhibit the synthesis of estrogen in women and testosterone in men.
According to researchers at the University of Essex, the mental health of between 20 and 34 percent of participants significantly deteriorated over the course of treatment. Just between 9 and 20 percent reported a reliable improvement. Between 56 and 68 percent witnessed no change in distress.
In other words, less than a fifth of those prescribed puberty-blocking drugs, if that, experienced emotional improvement following treatment. The findings contradict broad claims that such medical interventions are necessary to save gender-confused children from the perils of suicidal ideation. While the updated analysis from the University of Essex has yet to be peer-reviewed, another long-term study from Sweden found those who underwent transgender surgery were 19 times more likely to die by suicide than the general public.
The national suicide hotline is 1-800-273-8255. More resources are here.
A U.S. study published in 2019 found nearly 60 percent of trans-identified patients in a more than 10,000-patient survey were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder to begin with.
In June, the U.K. NHS updated guidelines to prohibit prescriptions for puberty blockers outside of clinical research. The change in protocol follows other European nations similarly pulling back on dangerous premature medical interventions on minors who wish to manipulate their gender.
“In the past few years, European health authorities conducted systematic reviews of evidence for the benefits and risks of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones,” City Journal reported in February. “The findings from these reviews — that the certainty of benefits is very low — guided the hand of policymakers there to restrict access to hormones.”
On Friday, California Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed radical legislation mandating that parents “affirm” a child’s newfound so-called “gender identity.” Parents with kids in California’s Chino Valley Unified School District, however, are still fighting state Democrats on the right to watch over their own children.
In August, California’s far-left Attorney General Rob Bonta launched a legal crusade to terminate the district’s new policy requiring schools to notify parents whenever a child tries to change pronouns or display other symptoms of gender dysphoria.
[RELATED:[RELATED:School District Gears Up To Fight California AG Trying To Make Them Secretly Trans Kids]
Tristan Justice is the western correspondent for The Federalist and the author of Social Justice Redux, a conservative newsletter on culture, health, and wellness. He has also written for The Washington Examiner and The Daily Signal. His work has also been featured in Real Clear Politics and Fox News. Tristan graduated from George Washington University where he majored in political science and minored in journalism. Follow him on Twitter at @JusticeTristan or contact him at [email protected]. Sign up for Tristan’s email newsletter here.
What is the new policy in the California district regarding lessons on transgenderism and parental consent?
023/09/23/california-district-wont-let-parents-withdraw-students-from-transgender-lessons/”>fighting to have the right to withdraw their children from lessons on transgenderism. The district introduced a new policy that allows transgender ideology to be taught to students as young as kindergarten, without parental consent.
These recent developments reflect a growing recognition of the risks and uncertainties surrounding medical interventions for gender dysphoric individuals, particularly minors. The new analysis from the University of Essex adds to the mounting evidence that puberty blockers may not be the panacea they are often presented as. With a significant percentage of trans-identified teens experiencing a decline in mental health while on these drugs, it is clear that more research and caution are needed before prescribing these medications to young people.
Furthermore, the long-term study from Sweden that found a higher rate of suicide among transgender individuals who underwent surgery raises serious concerns about the potential negative consequences of these interventions. It is essential that medical professionals consider all possible outcomes and prioritize the overall well-being of their patients.
The decision by the U.K. NHS to update its guidelines and restrict prescriptions for puberty blockers outside of clinical research is a step in the right direction. Other European nations have made similar moves, recognizing the need for a more cautious approach to treating gender dysphoria in minors. These changes align with the findings from systematic reviews that highlight the limited evidence for the benefits of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.
In the United States, the study that found a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders among trans-identified individuals underscores the importance of comprehensive mental health support for this population. It is crucial to address the underlying psychological factors that contribute to gender dysphoria and provide holistic care that goes beyond medical interventions.
While there are ongoing debates and discussions surrounding the rights and experiences of transgender individuals, the focus should ultimately be on ensuring the best possible outcomes for their mental and physical well-being. The recent developments in the U.K., European countries, and the United States demonstrate a growing awareness of the need for more cautious and evidence-based approaches to treating gender dysphoria. By prioritizing thorough research, comprehensive mental health support, and responsible prescribing practices, we can better support and protect transgender individuals, particularly minors, from potential harm.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a mental health professional or a helpline in your country. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available.
