Endocrine Abstracts

Background: There is strong support both in research and subjectively for the importance of having a mental health professional as part of a multidisciplinary DSD team.

Methods: Four de-identified case examples will be provided, outlining the types of contributions a psychologist can make to a treatment team.

Results: The role of the psychologist varies greatly depending on many factors. Case 1: newborn with CAH Case 2: young adult with sacral agenesis Case 3: older teen with MRKH Case 4: adult with late-diagnosed CAH

Conclusions: Parents, patients and members of the multidisciplinary DSD team sometimes initially need assistance in understanding what roles a psychologist might contribute to the treatment of individuals with DSD variations across the lifespan. Important functions include processing the diagnosis, encouraging coping with associated stress, education and anticipatory guidance across development, linkage with broader supports, contributing to shared decision making, and providing a mental health perspective to the team’s communication.