Psychiatric characteristics in transsexual individuals: multicentre study in four European countries

Br J Psychiatry. 2014 Feb;204(2):151-6. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.112.121954. Epub 2013 May 9.

Abstract

Background: Research into the relationship between gender identity disorder and psychiatric problems has shown contradictory results.

Aims: To investigate psychiatric problems in adults fulfilling DSM-IV-TR criteria for a diagnosis of gender identity disorder.

Method: Data were collected within the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - Plus and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders (n = 305).

Results: In 38% of the individuals with gender identity disorder a current DSM-IV-TR Axis I diagnosis was found, mainly affective disorders and anxiety disorders. Furthermore, almost 70% had a current and lifetime diagnosis. All four countries showed a similar prevalence, except for affective and anxiety disorders, and no difference was found between individuals with early-onset and late-onset disorder. An Axis II diagnosis was found in 15% of all individuals with gender identity disorder, which is comparable to the general population.

Conclusions: People with gender identity disorder show more psychiatric problems than the general population; mostly affective and anxiety problems are found.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • International Cooperation
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Prevalence
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Reassignment Procedures / statistics & numerical data
  • Transgender Persons / psychology
  • Transgender Persons / statistics & numerical data*
  • Transsexualism / epidemiology*
  • Transsexualism / psychology
  • Young Adult