Potentially traumatic events in a transgender sample: Frequency and associated symptoms.

Abstract

The frequency of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and associated symptoms were examined in a cross-sectional study of 97 transgender participants who had been classified as male at birth. A total of 98% reported at least one PTE and 91% endorsed multiple events. Of those with PTE exposures, 42% reported that at least one event was transgender bias-related. Among those with PTEs, 17.8% endorsed clinically significant symptoms of PTSD and 64% reported clinically significant depressive symptoms. The percentage of transgender individuals in this sample reporting clinically significant symptoms was higher than in trauma-exposed samples of men in the general population, but roughly similar to rates of female trauma survivors. Amount of time spent dressed consistent with gender identity was associated with increased risk for PTE exposure and was positively associated with mental health symptoms. No differences in symptoms were observed when comparing those with and without transgender bias-related PTEs. Overall, transgender individuals endorsed high prevalence of PTE exposure along with elevated PTSD and depressive symptoms, when compared to other traumatized populations.

Male-to-Female Transgender Veterans and VA Health Care Utilization

“…As part of a larger study (Shipherd, Green, & Abramovitz, 2010;Shipherd et al, 2011), anonymous survey packets were distributed and completed at a table in the vendor area of the conference hotel, as approved by the VA Boston Institutional Review Board.…”

“…As such, transgender-specific program development and training in cultural competence are salient for all providers in the VA (Maguen et al, 2005;Mizock & Lewis, 2008;Shipherd et al, 2010), particularly given the recent VA policy, which includes the provision of mental health care and preoperative evaluations (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2011). Training and provider awareness will be central features of education initiatives, given the elevated rates of suicide (Maguen & Shipherd, 2010), risk for HIV infection (Kenagy & Hsieh, 2005), exposure to trauma (Shipherd et al, 2011), and other health challenges in the transgender population. Mental and medical health services are potential points of intervention with transvets at risk, and properly trained and bias-free professionals are crucial in this endeavor.…”

“…1% in 2009(U.S. Census Bureau, 2011, which provides a context for understanding rates of veteran status in specialized groups. Unfortunately, it is difficult to estimate the rate of transgender individuals in both general and military populations given the social stigma associated with transgender identity; these include risks to military affiliation, impact on service connection (disability payments), the potential risk for harassment, and discrimination and/or violence (e.g., Shipherd, Maguen, Skidmore, & Abramovitz, 2011). To our knowledge, no studies of the transgender population have examined rates of veteran status.…”

Transgender Clients: Identifying and Minimizing Barriers to Mental Health Treatment

“…The existing literature on health issues within transgender populations largely focuses on HIV/AIDS, suicide, violence, and abuse (Kenagy, 2005;Shipherd, Maguen, Skidmore, & Abramovitz, 2010). These are important issues to study, yet they do not provide a full clinical picture.…”

Discriminatory experiences associated with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among transgender adults.

“…Transgender people, who have a gender identity that differs from their assigned sex at birth, experience high levels of prejudice, discrimination, and violence (Bockting, Miner, Romine, Hamilton, & Coleman, 2013; Grant, 2011; Lombardi, Wilchins, Priesing, & Malouf, 2002; Mizock & Lewis, 2008; Shipherd, Maguen, Skidmore, & Abramovitz, 2011). A national study of more than 6,000 U.S. transgender respondents found that 63% reported an emotionally- or life-impairing experience of discrimination (Grant, 2011).…”