Mental Health of Transgender Children Who Are Supported in Their Identities

2021 ◽  
pp. 110-117
Author(s):  
Kristina R. Olson ◽  
Lily Durwood ◽  
Madeleine DeMeules ◽  
Katie A. McLaughlin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Gender Identity ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Transgender Children ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Age Range ◽  
First Time

OBJECTIVE Transgender children who have socially transitioned, that is, who identify as the gender “opposite” their natal sex and are supported to live openly as that gender, are increasingly visible in society, yet we know nothing about their mental health. Previous work with children with gender identity disorder (GID; now termed gender dysphoria) has found remarkably high rates of anxiety and depression in these children. Here we examine, for the first time, mental health in a sample of socially transitioned transgender children. METHODS A community-based national sample of transgender, prepubescent children (n = 73, aged 3–12 years), along with control groups of nontransgender children in the same age range (n = 73 age- and gender-matched community controls; n = 49 sibling of transgender participants), were recruited as part of the TransYouth Project. Parents completed anxiety and depression measures. RESULTS Transgender children showed no elevations in depression and slightly elevated anxiety relative to population averages. They did not differ from the control groups on depression symptoms and had only marginally higher anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Socially transitioned transgender children who are supported in their gender identity have developmentally normative levels of depression and only minimal elevations in anxiety, suggesting that psychopathology is not inevitable within this group. Especially striking is the comparison with reports of children with GID; socially transitioned transgender children have notably lower rates of internalizing psychopathology than previously reported among children with GID living as their natal sex.

Childhood Material Hardship and Adolescent Mental Health

2021 ◽  
pp. 0044118X2110018
Author(s):  
Chrisse Edmunds ◽  
Melissa Alcaraz
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Adolescent Depression ◽  
Adolescent Mental Health ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Fragile Families ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Material Hardship ◽  
Critical Age ◽  
The Relationship

Adolescent mental health has implications for current and future wellbeing. While a link exists between poverty and mental health, little is known about how experiencing material hardship, such as insecurity of food, housing, utilities, and medical care, throughout early childhood affects adolescent mental health. We examine the relationship between material hardship in childhood and adolescent mental health. We use Poisson regression to examine the effect of material hardship experienced at different stages of childhood on adolescent depression and anxiety outcomes at age 15. We use longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study ( N = 3,222). We find that recently experiencing material hardship during childhood is positively and significantly associated with anxiety and depression symptoms at age 15, even when controlling for material hardship at age 15. Additionally, we find that insecurity during mid-childhood and the stress of lacking basic needs during a critical age may influence mental health in adolescence.

scholarly journals Community attitudes on genetic research of gender identity, sexual orientation, and mental health

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor R. Thomas ◽  
Dabney Hofammann ◽  
Brooke G. McKenna ◽  
Anna I.R. van der Miesen ◽  
Mark A. Stokes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Gender Identity ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Biological Basis ◽  
And Gender ◽  
New Research

ABSTRACTBiological sex is an important factor in mental health, and a non-binary view of how variation in sex and gender influence mental health represents a new research frontier that may yield new insights. The recent acceleration of research into sexual orientation, gender identity, and mental health has generally been conducted without sufficient understanding of the opinions of sexual and gender minorities (SGM) toward this research. We surveyed 768 individuals, with an enrichment of LGBTQ+ stakeholders, for their opinions regarding genetic research of SGM and mental health. We found that the key predictors of attitudes toward genetic research specifically on SGM are 1) general attitudes toward genetic and mental health research 2) tolerance of SGM and associated behaviors 3) non-cisgender stakeholder status and 4) age of the respondent. Non-heterosexual stakeholder status was significantly associated with increased willingness to participate in genetic research if a biological basis for gender identity were discovered. We also found that non-stakeholders with a low tolerance for SGM indicated their SGM views would be positively updated if science showed a biological basis for their behaviors and identities. These findings represent an important first step in understanding and engaging the LGBTQ+ stakeholder community in the context of genetic research.

scholarly journals Pregnancy and Fetal Loss Reported by Methamphetamine-Using Women

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. SART.S14125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary-Lynn Brecht ◽  
Diane M. Herbeck
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Fetal Loss ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Pregnant And Parenting Women

To better understand substance use disorder treatment needs of pregnant and parenting women who use methamphetamine (MA), this paper describes pregnancy histories and fetal losses for women who were treated for MA use (N = 153) with reference to a national sample, and describes their drug use, sexual risk behaviors, and mental health status. MA users reported an average of 4.6 total pregnancies and 2.1 fetal losses, whereas women in a general population survey reported 3.2 and 1.2, respectively. Higher numbers of pregnancies and fetal losses were correlated with specific substance abuse and mental health problems including early sexual abuse and cognitive problems. The combination of MA users’ especially high numbers of pregnancies, fetal losses, and rates of risk behaviors suggest high social and health care costs for this population. Prenatal care may provide a vector through which women can be connected to risk reduction interventions and gender-responsive treatment services addressing substance use and mental health needs.

scholarly journals Assessment of Anxiety and Depression in Polish Primary Parental Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy Compared to a Control Group, as well as Identification of Selected Predictors

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (21) ◽  
pp. 4173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Gugała ◽  
Beata Penar-Zadarko ◽  
Danuta Pięciak-Kotlarz ◽  
Katarzyna Wardak ◽  
Aneta Lewicka-Chomont ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Taking Care

Background: Taking care of a child with Cerebral Palsy (CP) may be linked with adverse effects in the parents’ physical and mental health. The causes of anxiety and depression symptoms associated with childcare are still not fully understood. Aim: To assess the intensity of anxiety and depression symptoms in parents of children with CP compared to a control group and to identify selected mental health predictors. Design and Methods: Data were collected from 301 respondents, including 190 parents of children with CP (study group) and 111 parents taking care of children developing normally (control group). Intensity of anxiety and depression was rated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scale. Gross Motor Function Classification System for Cerebral Palsy (GMFCS), Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), Berlin Support Social Scales (BSSS) scales and a specially designed questionnaire were used to assess the predictors. The investigated variables included the children’s and the parents’ characteristics, as well as environmental factors. The analyses applied Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, M(SD) as well as multiple regression. Results: The level of anxiety and depression was clearly higher in the parents of children with CP–the mean levels of anxiety and depression in the study group and the controls amounted to 8.1 vs. 4.7 and 6.8 vs. 3.7, respectively. The factors associated with intensity of anxiety and depression in the parents of children with CP included lack of social support, mainly perceived and received support, unsatisfying parental health status, poor economic status of the family, as well as difficult living conditions, sense of coherence, loneliness, the parent’s gender, and the child’s intellectual disability. Conclusions: Identification of significant anxiety and depression predictors, understood as modifiable factors, should be considered in determining and planning comprehensive support for a child with CP and his/her primary parental caregiver.

Race, Ethnicity and Gender Identity Discrimination in Access to Mental Health Care

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Fumarco ◽  
Eva Dils ◽  
Ben Harrell ◽  
David Schwegman ◽  
Patrick Button
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Gender Identity ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Ethnicity And Gender

IDENTIFYING FACTORS INFLUENCING MENTAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT OF COLLEGE STUDENTS IN CHINA

2002 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 547-559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Tao ◽  
Bi Yongyi ◽  
Mao Zongfu ◽  
Paula Rappe ◽  
Glen D. Edwards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Selection Bias ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Psychological Adaptation ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
And Gender

This study investigated factors considered as having an influence on the psychological adaptation of college students. Some 1,134 students from Wu Han University, Hui Bei province, China, participated in the study with an impressive response rate of 99%. Results of the study indicate that factors such as “parental occupations”, “parental education”, “interest in major”, “body image”, “place raised” and “gender” have a significant correlation with the psychological adaptation of college students in China. Asignificant relationship was found between fathers' education and occupation and college students' levels of anxiety and depression. Also, between the interest in major studied, and place raised, and body image and anxiety and depression. Levels of depression were found to be significantly greater for girls when looking at depression and gender. Though various reasons were given as possible causes for the levels of anxiety and depression among college students, caution must be exercised in interpreting the findings as among other things, selection bias could not be ruled out. Finally, this paper provides an interesting addition to the literature given the few related studies undertaken in China.

scholarly journals Anxiety and Depression Among Adult Tobacco Users During the COVID-19 Restrictions in India.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalini Bassi ◽  
Gaurang P. Nazar ◽  
Nishigandha Joshi ◽  
Nitika Sharma ◽  
Aishwarya Pandian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Tobacco Cessation ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Indian Government ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Indian Cities

Abstract Background The world witnessed a highly contagious and deadly disease, COVID-19, towards the end of 2019. India is one of the worst affected countries. We aimed to assess anxiety and depression levels among adult tobacco users and people who recently quit tobacco during COVID − 19 lockdown in India. Methods The study was conducted across two Indian cities, Delhi and Chennai (July-August, 2020) among adult tobacco users (n = 801). Telephonic interviews were conducted using validated mental health tools (Patient Health Questionnaire-PHQ-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-GAD-7) to assess the anxiety and depression levels of the participants. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to study the prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety. Results We found that 20.6% of tobacco users had depression symptoms (3.9% moderate to severe); 20.7% had anxiety symptoms (3.8% moderate to severe). Risk factors associated with depression and anxiety included food, housing, and financial insecurity. Conclusion During COVID-19 lockdown, mental health of tobacco users (primarily women) was associated with food, housing and financial insecurity. The Indian Government rightly initiated several health, social and economic measures to shield the most vulnerable from COVID-19, including a ban on the sale of tobacco products. It is also necessary to prioritize easy access to tobacco cessation and mental health services to such vulnerable populations during pandemic situations.

scholarly journals Condition openness is associated with better mental health in individuals with an intersex/differences of sex development condition: structural equation modeling of European multicenter data

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Tim C. van de Grift ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Study Patient ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Differences Of Sex Development

Abstract Background Openness on one's health condition or (stigmatized) identity generally improves mental health. Intersex or differences of sex development (DSD) conditions have long been kept concealed and high levels of (internalizing) mental health problems are reported. This study examines the effects of condition openness on anxiety and depression and the role of mediating concepts in this population. Methods Cross-sectional data of individuals of 16 years and older with an intersex/DSD condition was collected in 14 specialized European clinics as part of the dsd-LIFE study. Patient-reported measures were taken on openness and shame (Coping with DSD), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), satisfaction with care (CSQ4), anxiety and depression (HADS). Scores were compared per clinical group and data were analyzed via structural equation modeling (SEM) to calculate prediction and mediation models. Results Data of 903 individuals were included in this study (Turner syndrome (n = 284), 46, XY DSD (n = 233), CAH (n = 206) and Klinefelter syndrome (n = 180)). Participants were moderately open on their condition. High levels of both anxiety and depression were observed across the sample. In SEM analysis, the tested models predicted 25% of openness, 31% of anxiety and 48% of depression. More condition openness directly predicted lower anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as indirectly through increased self-esteem, self-satisfaction and satisfaction with social support. Conclusions Condition openness is associated with lower anxiety and depression in individuals with an intersex/DSD condition. Healthcare may provide the necessary knowledge and skills to employ one's optimal level of self-disclosure in order to improve mental health.

scholarly journals Age and gender differences in the influence of childhood stressful events on the psychological personality traits in patients with borderline psychiatric disorders

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 110-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.G. Gersamiya ◽  
A.A. Menshikova ◽  
A.A. Yakovlev
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Coping Behaviors ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Age And Gender Differences ◽  
Severity Of Depression ◽  
And Gender

This paper presents results of our analysis on gender and age differences in the effect of childhood stressful events on severity of anxiety and depression symptoms, coping behaviors and inherent personality traits in patients with affective disorders. The study included 440 patients hospitalized in our neuropsychiatric clinic. The results showed that in women childhood stressful events are associated with severity of anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as with some coping strategies and inherent personality traits, with some variability in different age groups. In men, a significant association with childhood stressful events was observed only with severity of depression and with scores for neuroticism. The associations in men also varied between different age groups.

scholarly journals Outcomes of a Blended Care Coaching Program for Clients Presenting With Moderate Levels of Anxiety and Depression: Pragmatic Retrospective Study

10.2196/32100 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e32100
Author(s):  
Monica S Wu ◽  
Shih-Yin Chen ◽  
Robert E Wickham ◽  
Shane O’Neil-Hart ◽  
Connie Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Blended Care

Background Depression and anxiety are leading causes of disability worldwide, but access to quality mental health care is limited by myriad factors. Cognitive-behavioral coaching is rooted in evidence-based principles and has the potential to address some of these unmet care needs. Harnessing technology to facilitate broader dissemination within a blended care model shows additional promise for overcoming barriers to care. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of a blended care coaching (BCC) program for clients presenting with moderate levels of anxiety and depression in real-world settings. Methods This study examined retrospective data from US-based individuals (N=1496) who presented with moderate levels of depression and anxiety symptoms and who received blended care coaching services. Using a short-term framework, clients met with coaches via a secure video conference platform and also received digital video lessons and exercises. To evaluate the effectiveness of the BCC program, mixed effects modeling was used to examine growth trajectories of anxiety and depression scores over the course of care. Results Out of the total sample of 1496 clients, 75.9% (n=1136) demonstrated reliable improvement, and 88.6% (n=1326) recovered based on either the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (anxiety) or Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (depression). On average, clients exhibited a significant decline in anxiety and depression symptoms during the initial weeks of coaching, with a continued decline over subsequent weeks at a lower rate. Engaging in a coaching session was associated with lower anxiety (b=–1.04) and depression (b=–0.79) symptoms in the same week, as well as lower anxiety (b=–0.74) and depression (b=–0.91) symptoms the following week (P<.001). Conclusions The BCC program demonstrated strong outcomes in decreasing symptomology for clients presenting with moderate levels of anxiety and depression. When clients received coaching sessions, significant decreases in symptoms were observed, reflecting the importance of session attendance. Additionally, the steepest declines in symptoms tended to occur during the initial weeks of coaching, emphasizing the importance of client buy-in and early engagement. Collectively, these findings have implications for addressing unmet mental health care needs in a more accessible, cost-effective manner.

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