The objective of this study was to evaluate
the features and calculate the frequency of sex-reassigned subjects who had
applied for reversal to their biological sex, and to compare these with
non-regretful subjects. An inception cohort was retrospectively identified
consisting of all subjects with gender identity disorder who were approved
for sex reassignment in Sweden during the period 1972-1992.
The period of time that elapsed between the
application and this evaluation ranged from 4 to 24 years. The total cohort
consisted of 218 subjects.
The results showed that 3.8% of the
patients who were sex reassigned during 1972-1992 regretted the measures
taken. The cohort was subdivided according to the presence or absence of
regret of sex reassignment, and the two groups were compared. The results of
logistic regression analysis indicated that two factors predicted regret of
sex reassignment, namely lack of support from the patient's family, and the
patient belonging to the non-core group of transsexuals.
In conclusion, the results show that the
outcome of sex reassignment has improved over the years. However, the
identified risk factors indicate the need for substantial efforts to support
the families and close friends of candidates for sex reassignment.
Citation:
Psychoneuroendocrinology 1997 Jul;22(5):361-80 an article published on the
Internet by PubMed <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/>
