Differences in Personality and Psychopathological Symptoms among Adults with Distinct Gender Trajectories.

This study looked at mental health differences between transgender people who continue their transition versus those who stopped or reversed it. Both groups had high rates of eating disorders and autism (28% each). Those continuing transition showed more outward behavioral problems, while those who detransitioned had more anxiety and social withdrawal. Both groups struggled with suicidal thoughts and stress, suggesting different support needs.

This exploratory study compared psychological profiles of transgender/gender diverse (TGD) individuals continuing transition (n=29) versus those who detransitioned (DT, n=21). Using standardized assessments, researchers found 28% of participants screened positive for eating disorders and 28% for autism spectrum disorders, with higher ASD rates in the DT group. TGD participants showed more externalizing symptoms including elevated borderline features, mania, antisocial features, alcohol problems, dominance, and self-harm. DT participants exhibited more internalizing symptoms including anxiety-related disorders, phobias, and social detachment, alongside higher neurodiversity markers.

Both groups showed elevated suicidal ideation, stress, and lack of social support, suggesting distinct psychological profiles requiring tailored clinical approaches.

Results suggest TGD and detransitioned individuals may require different therapeutic approaches. TGD individuals may benefit from interventions targeting externalizing behaviors and substance use, while detransitioned individuals may need anxiety-focused treatments. Both groups require suicide risk assessment and social support interventions. High autism co-occurrence warrants routine screening.

Small sample size (n=50) limits generalizability. Exploratory design requires replication. Study type not specified. Cross-sectional design cannot establish causation. Potential selection bias in recruitment methods not described.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people show different trajectories after gender transition. While some continue to transition, others detransition (DT), that is, stop or reverse the process. Both populations experience poor mental health, but no study has compared whether they have different psychological profiles and needs. This exploratory study compared TGD and DT participants in terms of psychopathological symptoms, personality variables, and the possible presence of eating disorders (ED) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

A total of 29 TGD participants (age = 28.28, 72.4% female at birth) and 21 DT participants (age = 29.19, 66.7% female at birth) completed the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), the Sick-Control-One stone-Fat-Food (SCOFF), and the 10-item Autism Quotient (AQ-10). Of these, 28% screened positive for ED and 28% for ASD, and the percentage for ASD was higher in the DT group. TGD participants had elevated scores on borderline features and mania, whereas DT participants had elevated scores on anxiety-related disorders. The TGD group showed significantly higher scores on antisocial features, alcohol problems, and dominance, and significantly higher rates of self-harm; the DT group had significantly higher scores on phobias and significantly higher rates of social detachment.

Both groups exhibited elevated scores on suicidal ideation, stress, and nonsupport. The results suggest that TGD and DT participants may have different psychological profiles, with TGD participants exhibiting more externalizing symptoms and DT participants reporting more neurodiversity and internalizing symptoms. The findings highlight common and distinct vulnerabilities and needs that should be considered in clinical practice.