Long-term effect of gender-affirming hormone treatment on depression and anxiety symptoms in transgender people: A prospective cohort study.
autism
hormone therapy
longitudinal
mental health
social support
transgender
Journal
Andrology
ISSN: 2047-2927
Titre abrégé: Andrology
Pays: England
ID NLM: 101585129
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
11 2021
11 2021
Historique:
revised:
27
07
2020
received:
24
06
2020
accepted:
05
08
2020
pubmed:
11
8
2020
medline:
3
3
2022
entrez:
11
8
2020
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Cross-sectional studies show that transgender people are more likely than cisgender people to experience depression and anxiety before gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT). However, the effect of GAHT on mental health in transgender people, and the role of other factors that may have a predictive effect, is poorly explored. Using a longitudinal methodology, this study investigated the effect of 18-month GAHT on depression and anxiety symptomatology and the predictors on mental health outcomes in a large population of transgender people. Participants (n = 178) completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Autism Spectrum Quotient-Short Version (AQ-Short) at pre-assessment (T0) and at 18 months after initiation of GAHT (T1). From T0 to T1, symptomatology was significantly decreased for depression (P < .001) and non-significantly reduced for anxiety (P = .37). Scores on the MSPSS predicted reduction in depression, while scores on the AQ-Short predicted reduction in anxiety. GAHT reduces symptoms of depression which are predicted by having higher levels of social support. Although anxiety symptoms also reduce, the changes are not significant and high levels of anxiety still remain post-GAHT. These results highlight the important mental health benefits of GAHT. Support services (professional, third sector or peer support) aiming at increasing social support for transgender individuals should be made available.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Cross-sectional studies show that transgender people are more likely than cisgender people to experience depression and anxiety before gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT). However, the effect of GAHT on mental health in transgender people, and the role of other factors that may have a predictive effect, is poorly explored.
OBJECTIVES
Using a longitudinal methodology, this study investigated the effect of 18-month GAHT on depression and anxiety symptomatology and the predictors on mental health outcomes in a large population of transgender people.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Participants (n = 178) completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Autism Spectrum Quotient-Short Version (AQ-Short) at pre-assessment (T0) and at 18 months after initiation of GAHT (T1).
RESULTS
From T0 to T1, symptomatology was significantly decreased for depression (P < .001) and non-significantly reduced for anxiety (P = .37). Scores on the MSPSS predicted reduction in depression, while scores on the AQ-Short predicted reduction in anxiety.
DISCUSSION
GAHT reduces symptoms of depression which are predicted by having higher levels of social support. Although anxiety symptoms also reduce, the changes are not significant and high levels of anxiety still remain post-GAHT.
CONCLUSIONS
These results highlight the important mental health benefits of GAHT. Support services (professional, third sector or peer support) aiming at increasing social support for transgender individuals should be made available.
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
1808-1816Commentaires et corrections
Type : CommentIn
Informations de copyright
© 2020 The Authors. Andrology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society of Andrology and European Academy of Andrology.
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