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Zeeman L, Aranda K. Theorising health equity research for people with intersex variance through new materialism. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2023; 45:163-178. [PMID: 36214753 PMCID: PMC10092079 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Health inequalities impact sex-variant people in highly differentiated ways. This is evidenced in much academic and activist intersex research documenting the highly specific forms of inequalities arising from misrecognition, discrimination and human rights abuses inherent to pathologised accounts of non-normative bodies. Important theoretical work further interrogates the implications of sex variant subjectivities, identities and bodies for static or binary notions of both sex and gender. In this paper, we aim to contribute further to this scholarship. We draw upon feminist materialist and Deleuzean-informed understandings of materials or matter to rethink debates over sex-variant subjectivities, identities and bodies in relation to inequalities in health. We argue 'the turn to matter' and associated new materialist theories draw attention to the complex, dynamic relational assemblages and entanglements mutually constituting the affective, embodied and socio-material worlds of intersex people. Informed by these theories, we propose that inequalities can be more fully addressed through a new health equity research agenda that is co-produced with sex-variant people. This agenda will enable a fuller exploration of the unsettling but transformative capacities of intersex matters and meanings with the contextually specific understandings of equity in relation to health and health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Zeeman
- School of Sport and Health SciencesUniversity of BrightonBrightonUK
- Centre for Transforming Sexuality and GenderUniversity of BrightonBrightonUK
| | - Kay Aranda
- School of Sport and Health SciencesUniversity of BrightonBrightonUK
- Centre for Transforming Sexuality and GenderUniversity of BrightonBrightonUK
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Berry AW, Monro S. Ageing in obscurity: a critical literature review regarding older intersex people. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2022; 30:2136027. [DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2022.2136027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adeline W. Berry
- Marie Curie Research Fellow, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK. Correspondence:
| | - Surya Monro
- Professor of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
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Miano P, Di Salvo G, Lavaggi M. An undermined therapeutic alliance: A case study. PSYCHODYNAMIC PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14753634.2021.1972035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Miano
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Lavaggi
- Associazione Consultorio Transgenere, Torre Del Lago Puccini, Italy
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Jacobson R, Joel D. Gender identity and sexuality in an online sample of intersex-identified individuals: a descriptive study. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2019.1711447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roi Jacobson
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Daphna Joel
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Bennecke E, Köhler B, Röhle R, Thyen U, Gehrmann K, Lee P, Nordenström A, Cohen-Kettenis P, Bouvattier C, Wiesemann C. Disorders or Differences of Sex Development? Views of Affected Individuals on DSD Terminology. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:522-531. [PMID: 31985272 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1703130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Over a decade ago, the participants at the International Consensus Conference on Intersex proposed Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) as an umbrella term for "congenital conditions in which the development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex is atypical". The Group recommended the terminology be sensitive to concerns of individuals having these conditions. Yet, controversy rages over the term DSD. This multicentre clinical evaluation study was initiated as part of the European research group dsd-LIFE to evaluate patient-reported outcome. In total, 1,040 individuals with conditions labeled as Disorders of Sex Development were recruited in Poland, Sweden, Germany, France, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. All participants were asked to rate the terms describing their conditions. Overall, a large majority of participants (69%) reported that the term Disorders of Sex Development applied to their condition or that they felt neutral about it. Most participants preferred terms that were specific to their somatic condition. Overall, our data do not support the view that, in general, the term Disorders of Sex Development is insensitive to concerns of affected persons and that it should therefore be abandoned. However, in the clinical encounter, we recommend that clinicians evaluate each patient's preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bennecke
- Sozialpädiatrisches Zentrum (SPZ), Center for Chronically Sick Children, Charité University Medicine
| | - Birgit Köhler
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité University Medicine
| | - Robert Röhle
- Koordinierungszentrum Klinische Studien (KKS), University Medicine
| | - Ute Thyen
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Lübeck
| | - Katharina Gehrmann
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité University Medicine
| | - Peter Lee
- Department of Paediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital
| | | | | | - Claudia Wiesemann
- Department of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen
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Danon LM, Schweizer K. Psychosocial approaches and discursive gaps in intersex healthcare: findings from an Israeli-German action research study. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2021; 23:441-456. [PMID: 32935631 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2020.1810779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the past several decades, conflicting discourses have coexisted in the field of intersex studies, including the pathologising discourse of the biomedical disciplines and the affirmative, subjective psychosocial discourse of people born with intersex bodies and their advocates. Intersex activists call for a positive discourse on intersex bodies and a humanistic healthcare approach that accepts and protects intersex bodily autonomy to replace continuing harmful, traumatic treatments aimed at normalising variations of sex characteristics (VSC). Our awareness of the biomedical discursive dominance prompted us to initiate Inter-Care and Awareness, an intercultural German-Israeli action research project. This paper introduces the project and explores intercultural approaches to psychosocial intersex care using an action research framework. We describe how the project's goals, processes and outcomes created educational material on intersex which uses positive language, explores intersex in the Jewish tradition, improves the support offered to parents of intersex children, and examines cross-cultural differences that arose in the encounters between the Israeli and German participants. The analysis points to sociocultural themes that reflect intersex people's current status in Israel and Germany. Implications regarding the implementation of similar projects in other countries are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limor Meoded Danon
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Zefat, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Katinka Schweizer
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, The University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Cannoot P. Do parents really know best? Informed consent to sex assigning and 'normalising' treatment of minors with variations of sex characteristics. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2021; 23:564-578. [PMID: 32876546 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2020.1785012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to explore how pervasive constructions regarding a person's sex and gender identity in society and law limit the human rights of persons with variations of sex characteristics. Societal culture promulgates a binary (male/female) gender ideal which includes standards of normality for our bodies. People who do not easily fit these culturally constructed norms, such as persons with variations of sex characteristics, encounter numerous difficulties. The legal conceptualisation of 'sex' according to the binary maintains the medicalisation of variations of sex characteristics and reinforces the focus on sex 'normalising' treatment of children who are too young to provide their informed consent. The paper makes use of Belgium as an illustration. Not only is comprehensive legal research concerning variations of sex characteristics absent in Belgium, but the country has also been responsive to human rights claims regarding sexual identity in recent years. With regards to the sex assigning or 'normalising' treatment of persons with variations of sex characteristics, this paper argues that by accepting the substitution of the child's informed consent for the opinion of the legal representative in the absence of urgent medical necessity, Belgian law fails to protect the former's right to bodily integrity and best interests.
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Lampalzer U, Briken P, Schweizer K. Psychosocial care and support in the field of intersex/diverse sex development (dsd): counselling experiences, localisation and needed improvements. Int J Impot Res 2021; 33:228-242. [PMID: 33727692 PMCID: PMC7985030 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-021-00422-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
From different sides, there is a call for better psychosocial care and counselling in the field of diverse sex development (dsd). However, studies on the specific demands, deficits and needed improvements regarding those services are rare. This exploratory online study aimed at investigating counselling experiences and the ideas that different groups of participants have concerning the localisation of counselling structures and improving care. Quantitative and qualitative data (N = 630) were analysed within a mixed methods framework. The participants included experts of experience resp. patients with different intersex/dsd conditions (n = 40), parents of children with dsd (n = 27), professional psychosocial counsellors (n = 321) and experts in the field including medical practitioners, psychologists, natural and social scientists as well as others involved, e.g., students or relatives (n = 56). The results show a gap between receiving psychosocial and medical care in the group of adult lived-experience experts, who had received less psychosocial care than medical interventions. The findings also reveal important tasks of psychosocial care. A focus was set on parental experiences. Helpful aspects reported were talking with other parents of children with intersex/dsd, aspects missed were assistance in supporting the individual development of their children. The majority of all participants (58%) held the view that, apart from multidisciplinary competence centres, there also have to be easily accessible counselling services which offer support in everyday life. The participants named increasing quality and quantity as necessary improvements in counselling structures for children and adults with intersex/dsd and their families. Implications are drawn for the specific tasks and target groups of psychosocial care and needed research in intersex healthcare over life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Lampalzer
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Zeeman L, Aranda K. A Systematic Review of the Health and Healthcare Inequalities for People with Intersex Variance. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186533. [PMID: 32911732 PMCID: PMC7559554 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Extensive research documents the health inequalities LGBTI people experience, however far less is known for people with intersex variation. This paper presents a review of intersex health and healthcare inequalities by evaluating research published from 2012 to 2019. In total 9181 citations were identified with 74 records screened of which 16 were included. A synthesis of results spans nine quantitative, five qualitative and two narrative reviews. Literature was searched in Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, PsycInfo and CINAHL. People with intersex variance experience a higher incidence of anxiety, depression and psychological distress compared to the general population linked to stigma and discrimination. Progressive healthcare treatment, including support to question normative binaries of sex and gender, aids understand of somatic intersex variance and non-binary gender identity, especially when invasive treatment options are avoided or delayed until individuals are able to self-identify or provide consent to treatment. Findings support rethinking sex and gender to reflect greater diversity within a more nuanced sex-gender spectrum, although gaps in research remain around the general health profile and the healthcare experiences of people with intersex variance. More large-scale research is needed, co-produced with peers who have lived experience of intersex variation to ensure policy, education and healthcare advances with greater inclusivity and ethical accountability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Zeeman
- School of Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton BN1 9PH, UK;
- Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 0JG, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-0-1273-64-4194
| | - Kay Aranda
- School of Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton BN1 9PH, UK;
- Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 0JG, UK
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Godfrey LM. Mental health outcomes among individuals with 46,XY disorders of sex development: A systematic review. J Health Psychol 2020; 26:40-59. [PMID: 32133887 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320909863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes research on the mental health outcomes of genetic males with a disorder of sex development (46,XY DSD). Databases were systematically searched, yielding 19 studies included in this review. Results varied widely, with mental health outcomes ranging from very poor to similar to comparison groups. A small number of studies demonstrated that patients with hypospadias or complete androgen insensitivity syndrome reported better mental health than patients with other 46,XY (DSD) diagnoses. Future studies should include larger samples of patients within a similar developmental stage, display results separately by DSD diagnosis and gender identity, and consider the potential impact of medical/surgical events on their mental health.
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Meyer-Bahlburg HFL. "Diagnosing" Gender? Categorizing Gender-Identity Variants in the Anthropocene. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:2027-2035. [PMID: 30607711 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1349-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, two interrelated major controversies have been unfolding in the area of sex/gender research. (1) Are gender-identity variants to be understood as psychopathology or natural variation? (2) Is gender (and perhaps even sex) better conceptualized as binary or non-binary? The answer depends on the conceptual context and related considerations of utility. In the context of evolutionary biology, marked variants of sex and gender decrease reproductive success and are, thereby, deemed pathologic. In the present era of the anthropocene, however, the material conditions underlying the traditional division of labor between the sexes and the role of reproductive success have dramatically changed. These changes decrease the psychosocial importance of the binary gender distinction, provide more freedom for non-binary gender expression and identity formation, and render the distinction of pathologic and non-pathologic less useful, unless gender dysphoria develops secondary to a psychiatric condition. Although most people state their gender identity in the form of a nominal category, most self-report or interview-based ratings and multi-item scales of gender expression and/or identity show continuous distributions, either unimodal-asymmetric or bimodal, depending on whether they are designed for one or both of the traditional genders. Similarly, the rating scales of androgen-influenced variants of the genitalia-usually designed for one of the traditional sexes-typically represent a unipolar-asymmetric continuum. However, the binary gender system remains the primary framework against which individuals evaluate themselves. For those who develop gender dysphoria, assistance by mental-health service providers continues to be important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heino F L Meyer-Bahlburg
- Department of Psychiatry, NYS Psychiatric Institute, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Kreukels BPC, Cohen-Kettenis PT, Roehle R, van de Grift TC, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Claahsen-van der Grinten H, Lindén Hirschberg A, de Vries ALC, Reisch N, Bouvattier C, Nordenström A, Thyen U, Köhler B, Group OBOTDL. Sexuality in Adults with Differences/Disorders of Sex Development (DSD): Findings from the dsd-LIFE Study. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2019; 45:688-705. [PMID: 31034334 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2019.1610123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
For various reasons, sexuality of individuals with differences/disorders of sex development (DSD) may be affected. The aim of the study was to describe sexual activity, satisfaction with sex life, satisfaction with genital function, and sexual problems in people with different DSD conditions. Data were collected from 1,040 participants in Europe. Many people with a variety of DSD conditions do not appear to be satisfied with their sex life, experience a variety of sexual problems, and are less sexually active than the general population; therefore sexuality should be explicitly addressed in the care of people with DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peggy T Cohen-Kettenis
- Medische psychologie, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Robert Roehle
- Charite - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Koordinierungszentrum fur Klinische Studien (KKS Charite) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Tim C van de Grift
- Medische psychologie, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
- Plastische, Reconstructieve en Handchirurgie, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Annelou L C de Vries
- Kinderpsychiatrie, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Munich , Munich , Germany
| | - Claire Bouvattier
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Sud University, France , Le Kremlin Bicêtre , France
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Ute Thyen
- Klinik fur Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitat zu Lubeck , Lubeck , Germany
| | - Birgit Köhler
- Klinik fur Pädiatrie mit Schwerpunkt Endokrinologie und Diabetologie, Charite - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - On Behalf Of The Dsd-Life Group
- The dsd-LIFE group: Birgit Köhler, Berlin; Peggy Cohen-Kettenis and Annelou de Vries, Amsterdam; Wiebke Arlt, Birmingham and Claudia Wiesemann, Göttingen; Jolanta Slowikowska-Hilczer, Lodz; Aude Brac de la Perriere, Lyon; Charles Sultan and Francoise Paris, Montpellier; Claire Bouvattier, Paris; Ute Thyen, Lubeck; Nicole Reisch, Munich; Annette Richter-Unruh, Munster; Hedi Claahsen-van der Grinten, Nijmegen; Anna Nordenström, Stockholm; Catherine Pienkowski, Toulouse ; and Maria Szarras-Czapnik , Warsaw
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Lundberg T, Dønåsen I, Hegarty P, Roen K. Moving intersex/DSD rights and care forward: Lay understandings of common dilemmas. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.5964/jspp.v7i1.1012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
When sex characteristics develop in ways that do not conform to binary models, dilemmas arise regarding how to understand the situation and what terminology to use to describe it. While current medical nomenclature suggests that it should be understood as a disorder of sex development (DSD) prompting medical responses, many describe intersex as a human variation in sexed embodiment that should be protected under discrimination laws. These opposing perspectives suggest different principles to employ in responding to dilemmas about gender assignment, early genital surgery and full disclosure of medical information. In this discursive psychological study, we explore how lay people, without prior knowledge or experience of intersex/DSD, make sense of these dilemmas and the underpinning discourses giving rise to how they talk about these situations. By using the discursive framework of ideological dilemmas, we analyse how people make sense of sex and gender (as binary or non-binary), how they deal with difference (as problematic or not), and how they understand who is in a position to make decisions in such situations. We conclude that engaging with dilemmas in-depth is more constructive than favouring one principle over others in moving social science research, reflexive clinical practice, and wider political debates on intersex/DSD forward.
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Perceived Men’s Feminization and Attitudes Toward Homosexuality: Heterosexual Men’s Reactions to the Decline of the Anti-Femininity Norm of Masculinity. SEX ROLES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11199-018-0985-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Schweizer K, Brunner F, Gedrose B, Handford C, Richter-Appelt H. Coping With Diverse Sex Development: Treatment Experiences and Psychosocial Support During Childhood and Adolescence and Adult Well-Being. J Pediatr Psychol 2017; 42:504-519. [PMID: 27452605 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsw058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this exploratory, retrospective, and correlational study was to examine the relationships between childhood treatment experiences, parental care, and social support, and outcome in adults with different diverse sex development (DSD). Methods The data of 69 participants from an exploratory questionnaire were collected in a retrospective German study. Results The majority received medical treatment in relation to their DSD during childhood and adolescence. Seventy percent reported having had a best friend and 29% a confidant during childhood. Sixty-one percent showed clinically relevant psychological distress, and 45% reported suicidal thoughts at least at one point in their lives. Quality of parental care and having had a best friend correlated positively with adult outcome, whereas treatment experiences correlated with aspects of impaired adjustment. Conclusions Social support and DSD-related treatment experiences appear to have an impact on adult well-being. Appropriate psychosocial care including peer-to-peer support should be made available to children with DSD and their families.
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Bennecke E, Thyen U, Grüters A, Lux A, Köhler B. Health-related quality of life and psychological well-being in adults with differences/disorders of sex development. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2017; 86:634-643. [PMID: 28005277 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rare congenital conditions with incongruence of chromosomal, gonadal and phenotypic sex have been classified as differences/disorders of sex development (DSD). Included in DSD are conditions with diverse genetic aetiology, varying levels of prenatal androgen effects, phenotypes and, subsequently, different medical treatments. Quality of life (QoL) and psychological well-being are indicators of successful psychosocial adaptation to the conditions. We sought to investigate the HRQoL and psychological well-being in this population. DESIGN This multicentre clinical evaluation study was part of a German network related to DSD funded by the German Ministry of Science and Education (BMBF 2003 to 2007). METHODS To assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), we used the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and for psychological well-being, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Participants were classified into five groups: females with CAH, females with XY DSD conditions where there is a partial androgen effect (partial androgen insensitivity, mixed/partial gonadal dysgenesis, disorders of androgen biosynthesis), females with XY DSD without androgen effect (complete androgen insensitivity, complete gonadal dysgenesis), males with XY DSD, and individuals with DSD conditions and other gender. RESULTS Participants included 110 adults with DSD (age range 17-62). We found a trend of lowered mental HRQoL and significant higher physical HRQoL for participants as compared to the norm. The high physical HRQoL especially applied to females with androgen effect and XY karyotype. Participants reported significant higher psychological distress compared to the norm. Forty-seven participants (42·7%) reported distress in a clinically relevant range on the BSI. CONCLUSIONS Although we did not find significant impairments in overall HRQoL, participants reported significant impaired psychological well-being. Specialized interdisciplinary care should focus in particular on psychological issues to ensure good overall health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bennecke
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, Charité, University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ute Thyen
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Annette Grüters
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, Charité, University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anke Lux
- Institute for Biometrics and Medical Informatics, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Köhler
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, Charité, University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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Lee PA, Nordenström A, Houk CP, Ahmed SF, Auchus R, Baratz A, Baratz Dalke K, Liao LM, Lin-Su K, Looijenga LHJ, Mazur T, Meyer-Bahlburg HFL, Mouriquand P, Quigley CA, Sandberg DE, Vilain E, Witchel S. Global Disorders of Sex Development Update since 2006: Perceptions, Approach and Care. Horm Res Paediatr 2016; 85:158-80. [PMID: 26820577 DOI: 10.1159/000442975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 356] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this update regarding the diagnosis and care of persons with disorders of sex development (DSDs) is to address changes in the clinical approach since the 2005 Consensus Conference, since knowledge and viewpoints change. An effort was made to include representatives from a broad perspective including support and advocacy groups. The goal of patient care is focused upon the best possible quality of life (QoL). The field of DSD is continuously developing. An update on the clinical evaluation of infants and older individuals with ambiguous genitalia including perceptions regarding male or female assignment is discussed. Topics include biochemical and genetic assessment, the risk of germ cell tumor development, approaches to psychosocial and psychosexual well-being and an update on support groups. Open and on-going communication with patients and parents must involve full disclosure, with the recognition that, while DSD conditions are life-long, enhancement of the best possible outcome improves QoL. The evolution of diagnosis and care continues, while it is still impossible to predict gender development in an individual case with certainty. Such decisions and decisions regarding surgery during infancy that alters external genital anatomy or removes germ cells continue to carry risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa., USA
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Meyer-Bahlburg HFL, Baratz Dalke K, Berenbaum SA, Cohen-Kettenis PT, Hines M, Schober JM. Gender Assignment, Reassignment and Outcome in Disorders of Sex Development: Update of the 2005 Consensus Conference. Horm Res Paediatr 2016; 85:112-8. [PMID: 26727471 DOI: 10.1159/000442386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Societal changes are increasingly moving the conceptualization of gender from a set of binary categories towards a bimodal continuum, which along with the cautious conclusions resulting from the 2005 Consensus Conference influences gender-related clinical work with patients with disorders of sex development. OBJECTIVE This article provides an update of these developments over the past decade along with an overview of pertinent new data. CONCLUSION Considerably more research is needed on larger sample sizes with systematic long-term follow-up to ground the emerging trends in clinical management of the highly diverse disorders of sex development syndromes in a solid empirical basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heino F L Meyer-Bahlburg
- New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, N.Y., USA
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Brunner F, Fliegner M, Krupp K, Rall K, Brucker S, Richter-Appelt H. Gender Role, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in CAIS ("XY-Women") Compared With Subfertile and Infertile 46,XX Women. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2015; 53:109-124. [PMID: 26133743 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2014.1002124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The perception of gender development of individuals with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) as unambiguously female has recently been challenged in both qualitative data and case reports of male gender identity. The aim of the mixed-method study presented was to examine the self-perception of CAIS individuals regarding different aspects of gender and to identify commonalities and differences in comparison with subfertile and infertile XX-chromosomal women with diagnoses of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study sample comprised 11 participants with CAIS, 49 with MRKHS, and 55 with PCOS. Gender identity was assessed by means of a multidimensional instrument, which showed significant differences between the CAIS group and the XX-chromosomal women. Other-than-female gender roles and neither-female-nor-male sexes/genders were reported only by individuals with CAIS. The percentage with a not exclusively androphile sexual orientation was unexceptionally high in the CAIS group compared to the prevalence in "normative" women and the clinical groups. The findings support the assumption made by Meyer-Bahlburg ( 2010 ) that gender outcome in people with CAIS is more variable than generally stated. Parents and professionals should thus be open to courses of gender development other than typically female in individuals with CAIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Brunner
- a Institute for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry , University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Maike Fliegner
- a Institute for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry , University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Kerstin Krupp
- a Institute for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry , University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Katharina Rall
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Tübingen University Hospital
| | - Sara Brucker
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Tübingen University Hospital
| | - Hertha Richter-Appelt
- a Institute for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry , University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
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D'Alberton F, Assante MT, Foresti M, Balsamo A, Bertelloni S, Dati E, Nardi L, Bacchi ML, Mazzanti L. Quality of Life and Psychological Adjustment of Women Living with 46,XY Differences of Sex Development. J Sex Med 2015; 12:1440-9. [PMID: 25893774 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progressive care improvement for differences of sex development (DSD), regarding diagnosis communication, psychological, medical and surgical management has been claimed. AIM OF THE STUDY To assess clinical management, quality of life (QoL) and the general psychosocial adjustment of individuals with 46,XY DSD. Some differences related to age at diagnosis are investigated. DESIGN Cross-sectional study using standardized questionnaires. POPULATION Forty-three Caucasian females with 46,XY DSD (self declared diagnoses: complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, n = 34; complete gonadal dysgenesis, n = 1; 5α-reductase deficiency, n = 4; Leydig cell hypoplasia, n = 1; unknown diagnosis, n = 3; age years: 31.5 ± 9.6 [range 18-57 years]). SETTING University Hospitals. METHODS Subjects were required to fill in questionnaires (ABCL, WHOQOL, dedicated 17-item questionnaire). Academic and socioeconomic data were compared with those of the Italian population. QoL and psychological data were compared with those of a comparison group (46,XX healthy females: n = 43; age, years: 34.5 ± 9.7, range 22-51 years). RESULTS Present sample of women living with 46,XY DSD were well adapted and were higher achievers than controls, both in educational and professional life. They showed good QoL, but they appeared less satisfied in psychological and social areas. They had borderline mean scores and statistically higher scores than the comparison group for depression, anxiety, internalizing and externalizing problems. Younger persons living with a 46,XY DSD showed better psychosocial adjustment than older ones. Younger women showed lower age at diagnosis communication. Psychological support was more often proposed at the time of diagnosis communication to younger individuals, and they undertook it more frequently than older ones. CONCLUSIONS Italian people living with 46,XY DSD were well adapted and successful; they reported a good QoL but showed higher degree of psychological distress than the comparison group. Lower psychological distress in younger women could indicate some positive effects of changes in management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco D'Alberton
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Assante
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maura Foresti
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Balsamo
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvano Bertelloni
- Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Dati
- Department of Pediatrics, San Giuseppe Hospital, Empoli, Italy
| | - Laura Nardi
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Bacchi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Mazzanti
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Lee PA, Wisniewski AB, Baskin L, Vogiatzi MG, Vilain E, Rosenthal SM, Houk C. Advances in diagnosis and care of persons with DSD over the last decade. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1186/1687-9856-2014-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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