Dados do Trabalho

Título

Epidemiological aspects of Mental Health in the Transgender Population: a bibliographic review

Fundamentação/Introdução

According to medicine, the sexual identity is determined by the biological sex, being considered as a disorder any deviation from that norm. The term transsexualism was used in the medical environment to refer to such a deviation, however, with the publication of DSM V, the term was replaced by Gender Dysphoria (DG), also distinguishing itself from the terms "transsexual" and "transgender." The latter is designated by the broad spectrum of individuals who, transiently or persistently, identify with a gender other than that of birth.

Objetivos

This text shows the prevalence of main mental diseases in transgender individuals, based on a bibliographical review about this topic.

Delineamento e Métodos

This work was carried out through a review of the literature, articles and journals of different nationalities published up to the year 2017. The following databases were used: PUBMED, SCILEO and LILACS; using key words, "depression", "transgender community", “suicide”, “violence” “mental health” and "epidemiology". In addition, the Classifications of International Classification of Diseases 11th (ICD-11) and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) were used.

Resultados

The literature indicates a high rate of mental illness in the transgender population, high rates of suicide attempts (40%) and depression (up to 55%). In relation to violence, transgender women suffer from 2 to 3 times more violence when compared to non-transgender women. a rate of 60% for women aged 15 to 24. Thus, respect, understanding and support, especially family, in the process of gender transition is of fundamental importance to avoid clinical conditions related to mental health. A significant association was found between transgender youth and attempted suicide; on average, 40% of trans teenagers engaged in suicidal behavior throughout their lives.

Conclusões/Considerações finais

Based on this assumption, it is imperative that the gender identity be better discussed in the different social environments, in order to provide a greater clarification for the general population on this theme. Ignorance about this issue is one of the major factors that contribute to the non-acceptance of transgenders, both in the family and in the social sphere.

Palavras-chave

Epidemiology, health mental, Trangender people

Área

Clínica Médica