ORCID

Abstract

Summary In the past decade there has been a rapid increase in gender diversity, particularly in children and young people, with referrals to specialist gender clinics rising. In this article, the evolving terminology around transgender health is considered and the role of psychiatry is explored now that this condition is no longer classified as a mental illness. The concept of conversion therapy with reference to alternative gender identities is examined critically and with reference to psychiatry's historical relationship with conversion therapy for homosexuality. The authors consider the uncertainties that clinicians face when dealing with something that is no longer a disorder nor a mental condition and yet for which medical interventions are frequently sought and in which mental health comorbidities are common.

DOI

10.1192/bjb.2020.73

Publication Date

2020-01-01

Publication Title

BJPsych Bulletin

Volume

45

Issue

5

First Page

291

Last Page

299

ISSN

2056-4694

Embargo Period

2021-10-16

Organisational Unit

Peninsula Medical School

Share

COinS