To elaborate the predictive value of
the projective method using the Defense Mechanism Test in a 5-yr. follow-up
study of 16 transsexuals, all subjects were approved for sex reassignment
surgery and had completed the baseline assessments and the 5-yr. follow-up
evaluation. Furthermore, we intended to create an outcome model based on the
test data for prior patients wherein new consecutive applicants for sex
change could be tested to predict the outcome in individual cases.
Outcomes after five years showed that 62%
of the transsexuals were judged as improved in a variety of areas of
psychosocial functioning, 19% were unchanged, and 19% were worsened.
Firstly, the analysis of the test data
confirmed differences between the improved transsexuals and those who were
not. Secondly, sex differences were found, with female-to-male transsexuals
having a better outcome and being more homogeneous than their male
counterparts. Thirdly, there was good correspondence in prediction of
outcome between the model based on the Defense Mechanism Test and a clinical
judgment made by a psychiatrist for two new applicants for sex reassignment
surgery.
It appears the Defense Mechanism Test has a
predictive ability for patients with gender-identity disorder.
Citation:
Percept Mot Skills 1999 Feb;88(1):3-20 an article
published on the Internet by PubMed <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/>
