What Happens to Gender Diverse Young People Who Are Referred to an Adult Gender Identity Service from a Child and Adolescent Service? a Cross-Sectional Look at Intervention Choices and Outcomes

Background
In recent years there has been an explosion of referrals to child and adolescent gender identity services. There is a paucity of research on the experiences and outcomes of young adults referred from child and adolescent services to adult services, and with such large increases in referrals it is vital we understand more about the intervention pathways, satisfaction and longer-term outcomes of these gender diverse young people. The findings will enable better tailoring of gender identity services for young people, and be an important step towards ensuring that the support and intervention provided meets the needs of this diverse and growing population.
Aim
The aim was to determine the intervention pathways, satisfaction levels and longer-term outcomes of the young people who attended the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), and who were referred on to the Charing Cross Adult Gender Identity Clinic (CCGIC).
Method
All attendees of the GIDS who were referred to the CCGIC between 2011 and 2016 were sent an invite to participate in an online questionnaire, which asked about their emerging gender awareness, prevalence of gender affirming interventions, factors influencing intervention decisions, satisfaction with the intervention process, feelings about gender identity, body image and wellbeing.
Results
Of the 365 ex-GIDS clients who were referred to CCGIC, 72 completed the questionnaire. Overall, 59% were taking/had taken hormone blockers; 67% were/had taken cross-sex hormones and 27% intended to start taking them in the future; and 34% had undergone top or bottom surgery, with 56% intending to have surgical intervention in the future. Factors influential in the decision-making process were identified. Participants were generally satisfied with their intervention decisions and the decision-making process. However, areas of dissatisfaction were identified and are discussed.
Conclusion
The study shows that a higher number of young adults who are referred from child and adolescent services to adult services do pursue (or intend to pursue) medical and surgical interventions. Many who do are largely satisfied with the intervention process, but there are areas that require improvement.