[Dramatic increase in adolescent gender dysphoria requires careful consideration].

The incidence of gender identity diagnoses in persons younger than 20 years old has increased more than 20 times in Sweden during a 10-year period. The reason for this is unknown, but new categories of patients seeking care or lower diagnostic thresholds are conceivable explanations. Even though gender-confirming health care is believed to ease gender dysphoria and improve quality of life in carefully selected cases, the long-term outcomes of this wider group of patients are unknown. In order to not harm patients, irreversible medical procedures should be used with caution and in the context of clinical trials given the limited evidence base for medical interventions in this group.