New research from England shows a steep increase in children identifying as the wrong gender, sparking debate over the causes and implications. Some believe societal pressures and online influences are fueling this rapid growth in gender-related distress.
Key Facts:
- Diagnoses of gender dysphoria rose from fewer than 200 cases in 2011 to over 10,000 in 2021.
- Girls made up about twice as many cases as boys by 2021.
- Over half of those diagnosed had anxiety, depression, or a history of self-harm.
- Around 5% were prescribed puberty blockers, and 8% were given gender-altering hormones.
- The landmark Cass review advised caution about rushing children into treatments they might later regret.
The Rest of The Story:
The University of York study analyzed thousands of anonymized GP records between 2011 and 2021.
Researchers concluded that more children than ever believe they were born the wrong gender, with one in 1,200 young people now diagnosed.
Previously, it was just one in 60,000.
A surge in mental health problems accompanied this trend, leaving experts to ponder which comes first: the distress or the gender confusion.
Professor Tim Doran, one of the authors, suggested social media and increasing public awareness may play key roles.
The study’s findings echo concerns raised by the Cass review, which argued that care must be taken before offering irreversible medical interventions to minors.
Researchers also discovered high rates of anxiety and depression in this group, calling for better mental health support.
Hellbound and Down 