The findings of this Evidence Check review will be used to inform decisions related to clinical services in NSW for children and young people (under 18 years) who are trans or gender diverse (TGD) or have gender dysphoria. The review aimed to provide an overview of current evidence related to the clinical care of this population and to identify the risks and benefits of clinical medical interventions and psychosocial interventions. Overall, the available evidence was limited and generally of low quality, however the authors identified consistency in some areas of the evidence and were able to present findings related to puberty suppression and gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) that may be of value to clinical services. Evidence for gender-affirming surgery (top surgery) and psychosocial interventions was extremely limited. The authors were able to provide recommendations for future research.

Citation

Watson C, Davidson S, Bourke, S, Bourchier L, Temple-Smith M, Sanci L. Evidence for effective interventions for children and young people with gender dysphoria: an Evidence Check rapid review brokered by the Sax Institute for the NSW Ministry of Health, 2020