Ambiguous genitalia as a psychosocial emergency

The anxiety of the parents of children born with ambiguous genitalia is described and the detrimental effect this has on the psychosocial development of these children. The importance is stressed of proper counselling for the parents. A multi-disciplinary approach benefits the parents as well as the child. Referral to a specialized centre immediately upon birth is essential to prevent a delay in conclusive sex assignment and to ensure early and expert surgical correction, proper endocrinological therapy and psychiatric counselling. Ten commandments are given for the psychosocial management of children with ambiguous genitalia.