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The Studies Show

Un-paywalled: Youth gender medicine & the Cass Review

Dec 31, 2024
Reflecting on the Cass Review, the discussion highlights the controversies surrounding youth gender medicine and the lack of strong evidence in the field. The closure of the Tavistock clinic is analyzed, alongside the challenges families face navigating gender dysphoria treatment. The critical evaluation of existing studies on puberty blockers raises ethical questions about safety and efficacy. Amidst rising referrals, the episode emphasizes the need for rigorous, evidence-based practices in healthcare and open dialogue on the complexities of gender identity.
01:15:24

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Quick takeaways

  • The Cass Review highlights the alarming lack of robust evidence supporting treatments for youth gender dysphoria, raising questions about their efficacy.
  • An overwhelming increase in patient referrals to the Tavistock clinic indicates shifting societal attitudes towards gender identity, complicating treatment implications.

Deep dives

The Context of Youth Gender Medicine

Youth gender medicine, particularly regarding gender dysphoria treatment, is explored amidst a complex backdrop. The UK's only gender clinic, the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at Tavistock, has witnessed a significant rise in patient referrals, from two in its first year to over 2,500 by 2017-2018. Despite this increase in treatment accessibility, the Cass Review reveals a concerning lack of robust evidence supporting treatment efficacy, highlighting that many studies have been exaggerated or misrepresented. The review calls for a careful examination of the psychological dimensions and potential distress experienced by youth with gender incongruence, emphasizing the distinction between incongruence and clinically significant discomfort.

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