Differences in mental health symptom severity and care engagement among transgender and gender diverse individuals: Findings from a large community health center

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245872
• Publication Date: 2021-01-25T18:31:07Z
• Authors: Amelia M. Stanton; Abigail W. Batche...; Norik Kirakosian; James Scholl; Dana King; Chris Grasso; Jennifer Potter; Kenneth H. Mayer; Conall O’Cleirigh
• Keywords: Depression

Mental health disparities among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations have been documented. However, few studies assessed differences in mental symptom severity, substance use behavior engagement care across TGD subgroups. Using data from the electronic record of a community center specializing sexual minority health, we compared (1) severity self-reported depression, anxiety, alcohol use, other symptoms; (2) likelihood meeting clinical thresholds for these disorders; (3) number behavioral appointments attended cisgender, transgender, non-binary patients. Participants were 29,988 patients aged ≥18 who medical appointment between 2015 2018. Depression ( F = 200.6, p < .001), anxiety 102.8, 58.8, 49.6, .001) differed significantly by gender. Relative to cisgender individuals, individuals are at elevated risk disorders. Gender was also associated with (χ 2 51.5, 39.3, attended. Engagement treatment certain groups is poor; women assigned male birth least likely appointment, whereas men had lowest appointments. These demonstrate importance assessing diversity addressing barriers that prevent receiving affirming care.