Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2025

Author Spotlight: Understanding Adolescent Social Adversity Effects on Neurodevelopment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2024
Psychological disorders and positive mental health in gender-diverse youth
Katherine A S Gallagher1, Marni E Axelrad1
1Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, and the Division of Psychology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.
Abstract:
An estimated 1.8% of U.S. adolescents identify as transgender, and when using expansive language to include diverse identities along the gender continuum (e.g., nonbinary, gender fluid), rates may be notably higher. Gender-diverse youth (GDY) experience significantly elevated rates of depression, anxiety, suicidality, and eating disorders relative to the general population. Youth with autism spectrum disorders also appear to report diverse gender identities at higher rates than neurotypical youth. Gender-minoritized stress, including distal (e.g., transgender related stigma and discrimination) and proximal (e.g., social or familial rejection due to gender-diverse identity) stressors, increase risk for mental health disorders among GDY, and gender affirmation mitigates risk. Gender-affirming medical and behavioral health care is associated with enhanced resilience and positive mental health outcomes for GDY.
Related Concept Videos
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Panic Disorder
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Introduction to Psychological Disorders
Deviant Behavior
Deviance in behavior refers to actions or thought patterns that significantly diverge from societal norms or...

