Authors

  1. Greenberg, Natalie MSN, FNP-BC

Article Content

As a family NP working in primary care, I have witnessed the importance of addressing mental health concerns early in the life span, as well as the emergence of detrimental effects later on in those who were deprived of adequate care ("Hormone Therapy for Transgender Teens Linked to Better Mental Health in Adulthood," In the News, April). The politicization of wellness in mental health among minority groups such as the transgender and nonbinary community is troubling.

 

In addition to the PLoS One study discussed in the article, other studies have reinforced the association between gender-affirming care and improved mental health outcomes among transgender and nonbinary youth.1, 2 In a prospective observational cohort study by Tordoff and colleagues, for instance, the incidence of depression among transgender and nonbinary youths who received gender-affirming interventions, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, was 60% lower than in those who did not, and the incidence of suicidality was 73% lower.2

 

It is in this population's best interest for clinicians and legislators to work together to provide evidence-based, compassionate, and patient-centered care.

 

Natalie Greenberg, MSN, FNP-BC

 

Sunny Isles Beach, FL

 

REFERENCES

 

1. Green AE, et al Association of gender-affirming hormone therapy with depression, thoughts of suicide, and attempted suicide among transgender and nonbinary youth. J Adolesc Health 2022;70(4):643-9. [Context Link]

 

2. Tordoff DM, et al Mental health outcomes in transgender and nonbinary youths receiving gender-affirming care. JAMA Netw Open 2022;5(2):e220978. [Context Link]