This study aimed to determine the psychopathological characteristics of transsexuals based on a large sample of French individuals and to identify whether these characteristics differed according to the individuals sociodemographic or clinical characteristics. We provide information from a large homogeneous sample of transsexuals including those undergoing a standardized sex reassignment procedure, using a standardized and widely available personality test, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2, for which norms are available. Although psychological distress may result from multiple stressors associated with sex reassignment, including frequent familial and social rejection, employment problems, and economic and legal difficulties 10, 17, few data are available. Second, psychological characteristics were established using varying psychometric measures, including different tests and structured psychiatric interviews. First, the studies included heterogeneous populations and often examined mixed clinical groups that included both transsexuals and other gender-nonconforming individuals, as well as individuals in different phases of the gender transition process.
These discrepancies may the result of the following methodological differences. Existing studies have revealed contradictory results, highlighting either normative functioning 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or a high proportion of psychiatric comorbidity 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. The continued demand for appropriate treatment decisions for gender reassignment candidates underscores the need for further research to aid in establishing the nature and degree of psychopathology that these individuals are likely to experience.Īs recommended in the 7 th version of the Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual People 2, mental health professionals should screen for these psychological characteristics and other mental health concerns and incorporate the identified concerns into the overall treatment plan. Information on psychological impairment may help health care providers identify the most appropriate clinical management for transsexuals individuals. Personality assessment can help a multidisciplinary gender dysphoria team detect potential psychopathological factors of vulnerability.Īn important area of research in gender dysphoria 1, also known as transsexualism, involves the frequency and nature of psychopathology and the comorbidity of mental disorders. In multivariate models, hormonal therapy status was significantly related to the scales of MMPI-2 (Psychasthenia and Masculinity/Femininity). The final sample had a median age of 31 years and included 54 (50%) Female-to-Male individuals. A total of 108 individuals provided a valid MMPI-2 between January 2007 and December 2010.
Personality characteristics were assessed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2). The inclusion criteria were 18 years or older, diagnosis of gender dysphoria, and eligibility for a standardized sex reassignment procedure. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a French public university hospital.
The aim of this study was to determine the psychopathological characteristics of transsexuals from a large sample of French individuals and whether these differed by sociodemographic or clinical characteristics. This study aimed to determine the psychopathological characteristics of transsexuals based on a large sample of French individuals and to identify whether these characteristics differed according to the individual’s sociodemographic or clinical characteristics. The assessment of co-existing psychological and psychiatric disorders is advocated in the Standards of Care for the health of transsexual people.