Dr Lauren Schwartz | Proliferation and Procedures of Gender-Affirming Care
Dec 22, 2023
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Dr. Lauren Schwartz, an expert in gender-affirming care, discusses the rush to transition children and the emotional manipulation involved. She also explores the impact of social media and activism in psychiatry, as well as her concerns about the new transgenderism textbook for psychiatrists.
Blindly affirming a child's self-perceived gender identity without comprehensive understanding and questioning can lead to rushing into irreversible physical alterations and potentially exploiting young, but mature, individuals.
A critical evaluation of the merging of subjective narratives and scientific research in the medical field, particularly in the treatment of gender dysphoria, is necessary to ensure evidence-based practices and prevent potential harm to patients.
Deep dives
The Concerns with Rushing to Transition Children
The podcast episode explores the speaker's distress over the rush to transition children and the potential exploitation of mature but still young kids. It emphasizes the importance of not blindly affirming a child's self-perceived gender identity without comprehensive understanding and questioning. The speaker criticizes the idea of telling kids they were born in the wrong body and highlights the dangers of rushing into irreversible physical alterations. The discussion indicates the need for more education, research, and critical thinking in the medical and mental health fields regarding the treatment of gender dysphoria in children.
Understanding the Difference Between Psychiatrist and Psychologist
The podcast delves into the distinction between psychiatrists and psychologists. It explains that psychiatrists receive medical training and can prescribe medication, while psychologists focus on psychotherapy and typically have a PhD or PsyD. The speaker emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to mental health, considering various factors such as childhood history, family dynamics, and intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. The discussion highlights the need for practitioners to meet patients where they are and provide appropriate care based on individual circumstances.
The Concerns About the Rush to Physical Alterations
The podcast raises concerns about the rush to physical alterations like puberty blockers and surgeries in the context of gender transition. The speaker questions how psychiatrists and medical professionals bridge the gap between mental issues related to gender dysphoria and physical alterations as solutions. The lack of stability and potential harm caused by this approach is highlighted through personal stories of individuals who have experienced regret and negative side effects. The podcast urges more caution, comprehensive evaluation, and exploration of alternatives before making life-changing decisions for children.
The Influence of Activism in Medical Training
The podcast examines the influence of activism in the medical field, particularly in the training of psychiatrists. It discusses a newly published textbook on transgenderism, co-authored by activists, which challenges scientific objectivity and emphasizes subjective experiences. The speaker expresses concern about the merging of subjective narratives and scientific research in a field that should be guided by scientific rigor and evidence-based practice. The potential harm to patients and the distortion of medical training are notable points of discussion, calling for a reevaluation of the role of activism in medical education.
[13:20] “Help me cross that bridge of how they think a physical remedy is the solution for what's going on mentally”
[14:00] The process of diagnosing and treating gender dysphoria in children
[18:30] Dr. Schwartz's concerns about the rush in transitioning children
[23:00] “Would you rather have a dead child or a trans child?” That's emotional manipulation. I think it should be criminal. Because what you're saying is these are your only two choices, and that's absolutely not accurate.”
[35:30] Impact of social media and activism in psychiatry
[42:00] A critical look at the new transgenderism textbook for psychiatrists
[48:030] Tune into Part 2 as Kathy and Dr. Schwartz next week!
[0:00] Thanks for listening to this episode of The Kathy Barnette Show. Remember to subscribe for more insightful conversations, share this episode with those interested in understanding the deeper aspects of our government, and provide your feedback for future topics.
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