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Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Reducing State Anxiety Using Working Memory Maintenance
Published on: July 19, 2017
Anxiety symptoms and self-reported executive functioning in transgender and gender nonconforming adults: associations
Karys Michaela Mossa1, Rebecca A Lundwall2, Mikle South3
1Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
Background:
Between 4.8 and 26% of adults presenting to gender dysphoria clinics have autism. Both autistic people and transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people have higher rates of mental health conditions including anxiety and depression and more difficulties with executive functioning, all of which impact quality of life.
Methods:
We characterized relationships among mental health, gender nonconformity, and autism in a sample of 54 TGNC individuals, 44.4% of whom were autistic (29.6% formally diagnosed and 14.8% self-identified). We analyzed traits continuously (using the Autism Spectrum Quotient).
Results:
Anxiety was the strongest predictor of executive functioning scores, while the contributions of depression symptoms and autistic traits did not rise to the level of statistical significance.
Conclusion:
Findings suggest that clinicians can support TGNC autistic people by helping them with their mental health, particularly with managing their anxiety.
Related Concept Videos
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder

