[The treatment path of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) minors and the impact of medical-surgical treatments on their mental health.]

Abstract

Aim: The Standards of Care (SOC-8) by the World Professional Association for Trans Health provide guidelines for the care of transgender and gender diverse individuals through safe and effective multi-professional interventions for physical and mental well-being. The aim of this work is to summarize the SOC-8 recommendations for childhood and adolescence, highlighting the importance of psychosocial assessment and available medical and surgical therapeutic options, and emphasizing the need for healthcare provider training.

Methods: The SOC-8 recommendations are based on scientific evidence and professional consensus from experts in transgender health, developing classification criteria and access to therapies, based on systematic literature reviews (PubMed and Embase).

Results: The SOC-8 underscores the importance of assessing and preserving gender identity, supporting prepubescent individuals from a psychosocial perspective, and ensuring adolescents access to medically and surgically conforming treatments according to local legislation. It is the responsibility of healthcare providers to understand and adapt international guidelines for an inclusive clinical practice of gender diversity.

Discussion and conclusions: Gender affirmation therapies in minors require comprehensive evaluation, parental involvement, and consideration of their cognitive and emotional maturity. Treatments should also focus on preserving fertility and accessing medicalized treatments which are beneficial to the well-being of transgender and gender diverse individuals.