• A study by the University of York reveals a dramatic 50-fold increase in gender dysphoria diagnoses among children in England over the past decade.
• Girls have been diagnosed at twice the rate of boys. The study highlights that children have been exerting pressure on their parents to undergo medical procedures.
The prevalence of gender dysphoria diagnoses among children in England has surged dramatically, increasing 50-fold over the past decade, according to a landmark study by the University of York.
Analysis of General Practitioner (GP) records revealed more than 10,000 diagnoses in 2021, a stark rise compared to fewer than 200 cases in 2011. Published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, the research highlights that girls were twice as likely as boys to receive a diagnosis, with over half of those diagnosed also experiencing anxiety, depression, or self-harm.
This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of gender dysphoria across England, utilising extensive GP records rather than data from specialist services. Researchers examined anonymised health records from GP practices contributing to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink database. The findings align with the Cass Review, which warned against hastily initiating medical treatments for transgender-identifying children and recommended banning puberty blockers for individuals under 18.
Between 2015 and 2021, the rate of diagnoses among females rose significantly faster than among males, with twice as many girls diagnosed by the study’s conclusion. By 2021, approximately one in 1,200 young people had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, a marked increase from one in 60,000 a decade prior. Among those diagnosed, nearly 5 per cent were prescribed puberty blockers, while 8 per cent received masculinising or feminising hormones. Additionally, 53 per cent of patients had recorded mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Professor Tim Doran of the University of York attributed the trends to heightened awareness of gender identity issues and the influence of social media.
He also noted these changes have coincided with a sharp rise in anxiety and depression among young people.
The study highlighted an “urgent need” to address mental health challenges and improve support for young people experiencing gender dysphoria. A smaller qualitative study accompanying the research involved interviews with 14 teenagers referred to gender identity services, along with 12 parents and 18 adults who had previously sought treatment. It revealed that many young people were eager to commence medical treatments without delay, expressing frustration over waiting times and conflicts with their parents, who often approached the decision with greater caution.
A 2022 study by the Heritage Foundation asserted how puberty blockers don’t lower suicide, in fact they increase it. A separate study revealed that puberty blockers can increase infertility in girls. In 2020, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital cautioned that the use of puberty blockers could lead to decreased bone density. Furthermore, a study conducted between Jan 2000 and Jan 2007 by Thomas D Steensma determined that 80% of young people experienced Transgender regret. Although the study involved a relatively small sample of approximately 200 participants, it was nevertheless a longitudinal analysis.
