Study Reveals Higher Mental Health Risks Post Gender-Affirming Surgeries

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A recent study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine has revealed that "gender-affirming surgeries" may increase the risk of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations. The researchers highlighted the necessity for mental health support tailored to address the psychological risks following such procedures.

The study examined 107,583 patients aged 18 and over diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Researchers compared mental health outcomes between those who had undergone gender-affirming surgeries and those who had not, assessing their mental health two years post-surgery. Findings showed that individuals who underwent surgery were more likely to experience heightened rates of depression, anxiety, and substance-use disorders compared to their non-surgical counterparts.

For males who underwent surgery, depression rates reached 25%, significantly higher than the 11.5% observed in males without surgery. Anxiety rates for this group were also markedly elevated at 12.8%, compared to 2.6% in those who did not opt for surgery. Similar patterns were observed among females, with depression rates at 22.9% compared to 14.6% in the non-surgical group. Anxiety rates followed the same trend, with 10.5% for females who underwent surgery versus 7.1% for those who did not.

Particularly concerning were the findings for surgeries aimed at "feminizing individuals," which showed notably high rates of depression and substance abuse two years post-procedure. Researchers emphasized the importance of gender-sensitive mental health care to mitigate these risks.

Jonathan Alpert, a Manhattan-based psychotherapist, believes these findings shed light on the psychological risks that are often overlooked. "While these surgeries can help individuals align their physical appearance with their gender identity, they are not a cure-all for the mental health challenges many transgender individuals face," he said. Alpert added that surgery alone cannot eliminate the complex psychological burdens stemming from societal stigma and personal identity struggles.

Florida neurosurgeon Dr. Brett Osborn voiced similar concerns, questioning whether the distress observed post-surgery is caused by the procedure itself or by preexisting mental health conditions. "Surgery is no guarantee of happiness," he noted. Osborn stressed the importance of thorough psychological evaluations and mental health support before surgery, rather than treating it as an afterthought.

The study also highlighted the broader cultural and social influences contributing to the rise in gender dysphoria diagnoses, particularly among young people. Alpert cautioned against rushing into irreversible decisions and emphasized the need for compassion and support for teens navigating gender dysphoria. "We must ensure that young individuals are not pressured into life-altering medical decisions," he said.

Dr. Osborn echoed these sentiments, drawing an analogy: "You don’t amputate a limb because of temporary pain, and you certainly don’t permanently alter your body without exhausting every other option first." He also raised concerns about hormone therapies, emphasizing that these treatments involve irreversible changes requiring lifelong management.

Mark Trammell, executive director of The Center for American Liberty, which represents individuals detransitioning after gender-affirming surgeries, called the study a "wake-up call." He stated, "For many young detransitioners, these procedures didn’t alleviate their distress but instead created new mental health struggles, including suicidal thoughts." Trammell emphasized the need for accountability from those advocating for and performing these surgeries.

While the study doesn’t definitively determine whether the surgeries themselves cause increased mental health risks or if preexisting challenges play a larger role, it underscores the importance of comprehensive mental health evaluations, support, and counseling for individuals considering gender-affirming procedures.