Optimizing Individual Health Care for Young People With Gender Incongruence

Gender Incongruence in Danish Youth (GenDa): An Observational Cohort Study of Danish Children and Adolescents Referred to a National Gender Identity Service

This observational study focuses on evaluating the effect of the current health care program for Danish children and adolescents with gender incongruence, which was established in January 2016. Somatic outcome parameters include growth, bone health, body composition, metabolic parameters, hormone levels and concurrent diseases. Psychosocial parameters include the trajectory of gender incongruence development, mental health, i.e. autism spectrum disorders, behavioural problems, self-harm, suicidal ideation and psychiatric diagnoses, and social context, i.e. family demographics, education, minority stress.

This study aims to:

1. Characterise the psychosocial profile of all children and adolescents referred for treatment, as well as the history of gender identity development and treatment trajectories.
2. Systematically evaluate biological parameters before and during hormonal treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues and cross-sex hormones, and to establish a biobank for those in hormone treatment.

The investigators hypothesise that intervention with counselling and hormonal treatment is safe and has a positive impact on psychosocial well-being of transgender youngsters. The overall aim is to provide data for improving future family counselling, clinical care, patient satisfaction, patient safety and ultimately quality-of-life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Accepted referral to the gender identity service.

Exclusion Criteria:

• None.