A recent in-depth study in Germany has revealed some startling results regarding the transgender community, particularly in relation to young people. The study, which tracked a large number of individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria over a period of nine years, found that the vast majority of people who identify as transgender will grow out of this diagnosis within five years. This indicates that this identity is not a permanent state, as many have claimed, but rather a phase for many individuals.
The study also found that a majority of young people diagnosed with gender dysphoria also suffer from other psychological conditions. This means that there is a high likelihood of underlying mental health issues that need to be addressed instead of simply confirming and affirming a transgender identity. The study showed that nearly three-quarters of young people who identify as transgender also have at least one other psychiatric condition, such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and more.
The prevalence of transgender diagnosis has also seen a significant increase over time, with a staggering 780% rise in diagnoses in recent years. While some of this increase may be due to changes in coding and increased awareness and acceptance of transgender individuals, it cannot be ignored that there has been a dramatic spike in the number of people identifying as transgender in such a short period. This could indicate a cause for concern, as it is unclear whether this increase is due to a real rise in gender dysphoria or if it is a result of social contagion or overdiagnosis.
The study also found that the group most likely to change their minds about being transgender were young females, aged 15-19. This group had the highest rate of reversion to their birth sex, with 72.7% desisting within five years. This raises questions about the motivations and influences behind young people adopting a transgender identity, as well as the long-term effects of affirming and medically transitioning these individuals. Additionally, studies have shown a correlation between being on the autism spectrum and identifying as transgender, further indicating that there may be underlying psychological factors at play.
These findings are in line with other recent studies from around the world, which have also found high rates of desistance among young people with gender dysphoria. This raises concerns about the current approach to treating gender dysphoria, which is heavily influenced by activist groups and prioritizes affirmation and medical transition rather than addressing underlying mental health issues. The current standards of care, drawn up by transgender activists and based on low-quality studies, have come under increasing scrutiny and have even been described as “remarkably weak”.
A growing number of medical experts are speaking out against the current affirmation model and are advocating for a more cautious and evidence-based approach to treating gender dysphoria, especially in children and adolescents. Many are concerned about the long-term consequences of medically transitioning young people, as well as the lack of informed consent and the vulnerability of minors to peer pressure and risk-taking behaviors.
In light of these findings and concerns, it is imperative that we question the push to transition children and young people to a different gender. Instead of blindly affirming and medicalizing their gender dysphoria, we must prioritize addressing any underlying mental health issues and providing appropriate support and therapy. The current approach is not only unethical and potentially harmful, but it also ignores the fact that for the majority of young people, identifying as transgender is simply a phase that they will outgrow in time.