Re: Puberty blockers do not alleviate negative thoughts in children with gender dysphoria, finds study
Dear Editor
On reading the study mentioned in the first paragraph an excerpt in the discussion reads as follows:
"Participant experience of treatment as reported in interviews was positive for the majority, particularly relating to feeling happier, feeling more comfortable, better relationships with family and peers and positive changes in gender role."
This does not match the claim made in the title. If the majority of participants expressed more positive emotions, then it is counter-intuitive to say that it has no affect on negative thoughts.
Further explanation from the authors discusses the difficulties in evaluating the sole affect of puberty blockers on mood, since the social environment and relationships participants form with others is a significant factor in mood. This complexity makes it difficult to ascertain the actual impact of puberty blockers on psychological wellbeing.
On discussing the limitations of the study, the authors explored the qualitative aspects of their findings:
"A more detailed qualitative evaluation of participant experience was not possible due to lack of interviewer time, and reporting of interview data was restricted to perceptions of positive or negative change and the giving of examples."
It highlights the importance of qualitative data to build on this study and optimise patient experience in the future. Moreover, it recognises that the differences between changes in mood and psychological well-being in patients isn't universal. These participants have family with different opinions, different relationships with gender and different aims from transitioning.
It is difficult to apply a one shoe fits all heuristic, to claim that if psychological well-being improves on an aggregate or deteriorates on an aggregate, then it is best practice for all situations.
It's important to recognise the impact of headlines, even if the content of the article is an update on the legal situation. Since very few people read the study, interpretation of studies in mainstream news plays a significant role in swaying public opinion.
Rapid Response:
Re: Puberty blockers do not alleviate negative thoughts in children with gender dysphoria, finds study
Dear Editor
On reading the study mentioned in the first paragraph an excerpt in the discussion reads as follows:
"Participant experience of treatment as reported in interviews was positive for the majority, particularly relating to feeling happier, feeling more comfortable, better relationships with family and peers and positive changes in gender role."
This does not match the claim made in the title. If the majority of participants expressed more positive emotions, then it is counter-intuitive to say that it has no affect on negative thoughts.
Further explanation from the authors discusses the difficulties in evaluating the sole affect of puberty blockers on mood, since the social environment and relationships participants form with others is a significant factor in mood. This complexity makes it difficult to ascertain the actual impact of puberty blockers on psychological wellbeing.
On discussing the limitations of the study, the authors explored the qualitative aspects of their findings:
"A more detailed qualitative evaluation of participant experience was not possible due to lack of interviewer time, and reporting of interview data was restricted to perceptions of positive or negative change and the giving of examples."
It highlights the importance of qualitative data to build on this study and optimise patient experience in the future. Moreover, it recognises that the differences between changes in mood and psychological well-being in patients isn't universal. These participants have family with different opinions, different relationships with gender and different aims from transitioning.
It is difficult to apply a one shoe fits all heuristic, to claim that if psychological well-being improves on an aggregate or deteriorates on an aggregate, then it is best practice for all situations.
It's important to recognise the impact of headlines, even if the content of the article is an update on the legal situation. Since very few people read the study, interpretation of studies in mainstream news plays a significant role in swaying public opinion.
Competing interests: No competing interests