1. Experience of Chest Dysphoria and Masculinizing Chest Surgery in Transmasculine Youth.
- Author
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Mehringer JE, Harrison JB, Quain KM, Shea JA, Hawkins LA, and Dowshen NL
- Subjects
- Adaptation, Psychological, Adolescent, Body Dissatisfaction psychology, Body Dysmorphic Disorders psychology, Breast growth & development, Compression Bandages, Decision Making, Emotions, Female, Gender Dysphoria surgery, Grounded Theory, Health Services Accessibility, Humans, Insurance Coverage statistics & numerical data, Male, Postoperative Period, Qualitative Research, Quality of Life psychology, Social Behavior, Suicidal Ideation, Young Adult, Breast surgery, Gender Dysphoria psychology, Transgender Persons psychology
- Abstract
Objectives: Transmasculine individuals, those assigned female sex at birth but who identify as masculine, have high rates of suicidal behavior and often suffer from chest dysphoria (discomfort and distress from unwanted breast development). Growing numbers of transmasculine youth are pursuing definitive treatment with masculinizing chest surgery (MCS), and adult studies reveal marked benefits of MCS, although little is known about the impact of chest dysphoria on transmasculine youth or the optimal timing of MCS. In this study, we aimed to explore youth experiences of chest dysphoria and the impact of MCS., Methods: Transmasculine youth aged 13 to 21 were recruited from a pediatric hospital-based gender clinic. Participants completed a semistructured qualitative interview exploring the experience of chest dysphoria and thoughts about or experiences with MCS. Interview transcripts were coded by 3 investigators employing modified grounded theory, with the median interrater reliability at κ = 0.92., Results: Subjects ( N = 30) were a mean age of 17.5 years, and 47% had undergone MCS. Youth reported that chest dysphoria triggered strong negative emotions and suicidal ideation, caused a myriad of functional limitations, and was inadequately relieved by testosterone therapy alone. All post-MCS youth reported near or total resolution of chest dysphoria, lack of regret, and improved quality of life and functioning., Conclusions: We observed consensus that chest dysphoria is a major source of distress and can be functionally disabling to transmasculine youth. MCS performed during adolescence, including before age 18, can alleviate suffering and improve functioning. Additional research is needed to develop patient-reported outcome measures to assess the impact of chest dysphoria and MCS., Competing Interests: POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)
- Published
- 2021
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