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. 2022 Dec;46(6):321-324.
doi: 10.1192/bjb.2022.9.

Is it really about freedom of thought?

Jack Drescher  1
Affiliations

Is it really about freedom of thought?

Jack Drescher. BJPsych Bull. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

This opinion piece responds to Marcus Evans's 'Freedom to Think' regarding treating adolescents diagnosed with gender dysphoria (DSM)/gender incongruence (ICD). Evans notes not everything is known about GD/GI, particularly its 'causes'. Although correct, he presents this fact as a rationale for delaying treatment for all children presenting with GD/GI symptoms. However, Marcus does not specify how long such prolonged evaluations should last nor does he have much of an evidence base to support his recommendation. This author believes delaying treatment for GD/GI adolescents who need it for the benefit of children who 'aren't really' transgender is an ethically troubling issue.

Keywords: Gender incongruence; adolescents; childhood experience; gender dysphoria; in-patient treatment.

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