Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT2847

Background and aims: A considerable increase in referrals of adolescents to the Danish Gender Identity Service has been seen in recent years. Prior studies have suggested an elevated risk of internalising problems, a higher level of psychiatric morbidity along with higher suicidality rates among transgender and gender-diverse adolescents compared to cisgender peers. Therefore, it is important to understand the characteristics of youngsters experiencing gender incongruence to optimise the current assessment and treatment protocol and improve personalised care. We aim to describe the psychosocial profile of youngsters referred for evaluation of gender incongruence. We will describe the demographic characteristics, the history and development of gender identity and incongruence, as well as the development of sexuality. We will also examine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study of a national cohort consisting of all children and adolescents under 18 years of age referred to the Danish Gender Identity Service from 2016 through 2022 (approximately 1200 individuals). We will use existing data from medical records obtained at routine visits from first assessment through repeated visits at the clinic. Data will be examined in sub-groups according to sex assigned at birth, age of onset of gender incongruence, and treatment trajectory. Group comparisons will be performed using Student’s T-test and Mann-Whitney/Wilcoxon tests as appropriate. The statistical software R will be applied for analysis and data representation.

Perspective: The evidence base for the current assessment and treatment protocol is sparse, although treatment options have existed for more than two decades in some countries. Large-scale population-based studies are needed to further improve healthcare for youngsters with gender incongruence. Thus, this study intends to provide better evidence for future assessment and treatment protocols to improve the well-being of transgender and gender-diverse youngsters.