Inconsistent care and varying treatment approaches at the Tabas Talk clinic impacted the outcomes and experiences of young people seeking gender treatment.
Lack of data and transparency at the clinic made it difficult to assess the effectiveness and impact of the treatment offered, raising concerns about accountability and fostering a culture of cover-up.
The high prevalence of autism and same-sex attraction among patients referred to the clinic indicates the need for better understanding and proper assessment of the underlying causes of gender dysphoria.
Deep dives
Variation in treatment and assessment
The podcast episode discusses how the treatment and assessment of young people at the Tabas Talk clinic varied greatly depending on the clinicians they were assigned to. Some individuals only had a couple of sessions before being referred for puberty blockers, while others underwent extensive therapy over several years. This lack of consistency in care was a significant concern as it affected the outcomes and experiences of these young people.
Lack of data and transparency
One of the main issues highlighted in the podcast episode is the lack of data and transparency at the Tabas Talk clinic. The clinic was unable to provide meaningful information about the thousands of young people they had seen or the number of referrals for puberty blockers. This lack of data made it difficult to assess the effectiveness and impact of the treatment offered. The absence of comprehensive records and the reluctance to disclose information raised concerns about accountability and fostered a culture of cover-up.
Concerns about autism and homosexuality
Another key point discussed in the podcast episode is the significant number of young people who were referred to the clinic with autism and same-sex attraction. Clinicians and researchers noted a high prevalence of autism and same-sex attraction among the patients, indicating that some individuals may have been undergoing medical intervention for issues related to autism and homosexuality. These concerns were often dismissed or not adequately addressed, highlighting the need for better understanding and proper assessment of the underlying causes of gender dysphoria.
The criteria for gender dysphoria were based on gender stereotypes
The criteria for diagnosing gender dysphoria included gender-stereotyped behaviors, such as playing with toys associated with the opposite sex or having friends of the opposite sex. Distress for at least six months was required, though the time frame was considered short. A significant number of referrals were made, especially for 14-year-olds, during the years 2014-2016.
Pressure from trans charities influenced treatment decisions
Trans charities and advocacy groups, like Mermaids and GIRES, exerted pressure on clinicians, potentially influencing lower age limits for puberty blockers. Clinicians feared upsetting these groups and did not change direction when data suggested that puberty blockers were not always effective. Some clinicians believe that the service became hesitant to challenge the ideology behind transgender treatment. Additionally, critical information, such as the need for sufficient penile tissue for future surgeries, was not consistently documented or communicated to patients.
Hannah Barnes is an award-winning journalist based in London. She is Investigations Producer at the BBC's flagship news and current affairs programme, Newsnight. Having led Newsnight’s investigative coverage of the controversial clinic, Barnes went on to write ‘Time to Think: The Inside Story of the Collapse of the Tavistock’s Gender Service for Children’ - available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1800751117
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