[Trans healthcare : Between depsychopathologization and a needs-based treatment of accompanying mental disorders].

BACKGROUND

Historically, the function of psychiatry and psychotherapy in the healthcare treatment of transsexualism has been impaired by the basic assumption that non-conforming gender experiences and behavior are automatically considered as expressions of psychopathology.

OBJECTIVE

In line with revision of the diagnostic criteria and changing standards of care and treatment recommendations, the therapeutic relationship between mental healthcare professionals and transgender individuals is critically discussed aiming at providing a needs-based psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment and a patient-centered approach for trans persons.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Literature search focusing on the prevalence of trans persons and the presence of accompanying mental disorders. Discussion of professional experiences with mental healthcare of trans persons.

RESULTS

Trans persons without clinically relevant mental distress do not need any kind of psychiatric or psychotherapeutic treatment; however, trans people with clinically relevant mental impairment need safe access to mental healthcare without linking the trans identity a priori to a mental disorder.

CONCLUSION

In order to ensure individual trans healthcare in the long term, the therapeutic relationship should take into account both the body knowledge and self-determination of trans persons as well as the clinical expertise of mental healthcare professionals.