T. Steensma, Netherlands
Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center Center of Expertise on Gender DysphoriaModerator of 1 Session
Transgender people represent a broad spectrum of individuals that transiently or persistently identify with a gender different from the one assigned at birth (APA, 2013). Transgender healthcare issues have become an increased matter of interest over the last years, as shown by the growth of publications on the subject and by the increase of referrals reported worldwide in all age groups. However, transgender people report encountering numerous obstacles in accessing and receiving appropriate health care with professionals being described as not properly trained on specific gender issues. Considering the diversity and complexity of the gender spectrum in the different age groups, and in light of the recent changes in the formal psychiatric classification, mental health providers play a critical role in meeting the needs of gender non-conforming children, adolescents and adults, according to individualized paths. This course has the following aims: (1) learn the principles of assessment of gender incongruence in childhood, adolescence and adulthood; (2) address co-occurring psychopathology; (3) identify different treatment paths according to age and individualized psychological and/or medical needs; (4) work in a multidisciplinary team in line with an integrated model. Each area will be considered in the four presentations of the course. Then, video of cases will be presented, and small groups of discussion will be organized. In particular, two of the speakers are actively involved in the revision committee for the Standards of Care of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (SOC 8); thus they will provide recent updates on this topic.