Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics of Gender Dysphoria Cases at a University Hospital in the Black Sea Region

Objectives: Gender dysphoria is a condition defined by distress resulting from the incompatibility between an individual's physical sex and their gender identity, accompanied by a desire to belong to the opposite sex. In this study, we aimed to investigate the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with gender dysphoria and followed up at a university hospital in the Black Sea Region, as well as to identify differences between trans women and trans men in terms of these characteristics. Method: This study included 27 patients diagnosed with gender dysphoria and followed up at the Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine Psychiatry outpatient clinic between 2015 and 2021. Sociodemographic data and clinical characteristics of the patients with gender dysphoria were analyzed. Results: It was observed that a higher proportion of trans men (77.8%) sought treatment for gender dysphoria compared to trans women (22.2%). An additional psychiatric illness, mainly depression and anxiety, was present in 55.6% of cases. Statistically significant differences were found in the suicidal ideation during follow-up and past trauma between trans women and trans men. Family support and peers was found to be greater in trans men than in trans women, trans men were more likely to be approved by colleagues at a statistically significant level. Discussion and Conclusion: This study revealed that trans women and trans men experience different mental health risks, such as social acceptance, family support, suicide, and trauma history, with trans men showing an advantage over trans women.