Authors: Olsavsky, A. L., Grannis, C., Bricker, J., Chelvakumar, G., Indyk, J. A., Leibowitz, S. F., Mattson, W. I., Nelson, E. E., Stanek, C. J., & Nahata, L.

Date of publication: 2023

Journal: Journal of Adolescent Health



Summary: This US study looked at the relationships between the use of gender-affirming hormonal interventions (i.e., puberty blockers, testosterone, estrogen), as well as family and friend social support, on gender diverse teenagers’ reports of their mental health. 75 young people aged between 11 to 18 years who were accessing care from a gender-affirming clinic completed surveys about their anxiety and depression symptoms, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. They also rated their level of support from their family, friends and other significant people. 52% of the participants were receiving gender-affirming hormonal interventions. The researchers found that using hormonal interventions was associated with less anxiety and depressive symptoms, family support was associated with less depressive symptoms and less self-harm, and friend support was associated with less anxiety symptoms and less suicidal thoughts. When young people were using gender-affirming hormonal interventions and having greater support from family and friends they had the better mental health outcomes of the group.



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