[Gender identities in transition]

Gender identities in transition Abstract. In recent years, the healthcare system has been confronted with an increasing number of children and adolescents with gender nonconformity, gender incongruence, and gender dysphoria. Medical professionals are still debating how to interpret this phenomenon and how best to meet the healthcare needs of this diverse group of young people. Meanwhile, the transgender and gender nonconforming youths themselves face enormous challenges in finding appropriate support and treatment in the mental healthcare system. This article reviews the available epidemiological data, the paradigm shift in the social, legal, and medical systems, the developments in diagnostic classifications (DSM-5, ICD-11) as well as important aspects of the AWMF S3 guideline for adults with gender incongruence and gender dysphoria. In addition, it describes the complexity of working with transgender, gender nonconforming, and gender-questioning youth in the context of the current discourse and the underlying ethical dilemmas. In conclusion, this article outlines the challenges facing child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy in this complex environment.