Study finds that the average age of gender dysphoria diagnosis has declined to 26, dropping from 31

A recent study has shown that the average age at which individuals are diagnosed with gender dysphoria has decreased from 31 to 26. This trend is more pronounced among those assigned female at birth. The research conducted by US academics estimates that the prevalence of gender dysphoria is approximately 0.16% of the population, with 155 people diagnosed per 100,000 individuals between 2017 and 2021.

Gender dysphoria, also known as gender identity disorder, refers to the unease experienced by individuals when their gender identity does not align with their biological sex. The study, published in the open-access journal General Psychiatry, focused primarily on patients in the US and addressed concerns about the increasing number of young people seeking professional care for gender dysphoria.

The researchers, from the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, highlight the limitations of previous studies on gender dysphoria, such as small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, and outdated data sets. They aimed to provide an updated epidemiological trend and explore the influence of assigned sex at birth and age on gender dysphoria.

To conduct their study, they analyzed electronic medical records from nearly 43 million patients aged four to 65 across 49 healthcare organizations, mostly in the US. They identified 66,078 individuals with gender dysphoria, resulting in an estimated prevalence of 155 per 100,000 people over the five-year period. The researchers observed a significant increase in the diagnosis of gender dysphoria.

Lead author Dr. Ching-Fang Sun notes that there has been a consistent rise in the prevalence of gender dysphoria, particularly among adolescents and young adults. The average age of diagnosis has also decreased from 31 in 2017 to 26 in 2021.

The study found that the average age of diagnosis for individuals assigned female at birth was 27, while it was 30 for those assigned male at birth. The prevalence of gender dysphoria among individuals assigned female at birth peaked between the ages of 17 and 19 and declined below that of individuals assigned male at birth by the age of 22.

“The decreased mean age of gender dysphoria suggests less oppression of gender minority youth and increased awareness of gender diversity.”

Researchers

For individuals assigned male at birth, the estimated prevalence of gender dysphoria starts to increase at the age of 13, peaks at 23, and gradually decreases thereafter.

The researchers propose that the rising number of gender dysphoria patients may be attributed to the increased availability of specialty gender clinics and a more accepting social environment for gender non-congruent youth. They highlight the influence of social processes and the use of gender-neutral pronouns and chosen names in fostering a supportive environment for gender minority youth. Digital platforms, such as video games, also offer a safe space for identity exploration.

The researchers emphasize that gender is a cultural construct and not solely determined by genetics. The decreasing mean age of gender dysphoria diagnosis indicates a positive shift towards greater acceptance and understanding of gender diversity.

In England, new gender clinics are set to open later this year to address the increasing demand for gender-affirming care. The decision to close London’s Gender Identity Development Service (Gids) clinic was influenced by concerns surrounding capacity and long waiting times for assessments. The National Health Service (NHS) has acknowledged the need for consensus on the best approach to care for children and young people experiencing gender incongruence and dysphoria.

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