Gender dysphoria diagnoses among children have spiked 133% since 2019, data indicates
Twice as many children and teens are diagnosed with gender dysphoria today than before the pandemic, according to a report.
Analysts at LexisNexis – which tracks 300 million patients – found that insurance claims for gender identity care among under-18s increased 133 percent between 2019 and 2023.
It’s part of a broader, sharp increase in mental health problems among children.
Declarations for care relating to: Eating disorders rose 108 percent in the same time, while anxiety-related claims rose 61 percent.
Overall, the report shows that claims for any form of mental health care increased by 83 percent among under-18s in the period studied.
The above shows insurance claims for mental health care, according to LexisNexis. They analyzed data from more than 300 million patients
There have been increases in the number of young people reporting gender dysphoria, or when their gender does not match their biological sex
Many experts have attributed the rise in gender dysphoria cases to a wider acceptance of gender dysphoria and a greater willingness to seek treatment.
But there are also concerns that children’s impressionable minds are easily influenced by social trends.
Much of the increase was also recorded during the Covid pandemic, with commentators suggesting that isolation due to lockdowns and increased online social interaction could have led to introspection or doubt among children about their gender identity.
The report was compiled by LexisNexis Risk Solutions, a New York City-based data company that tracks billions of claims annually in the US.
Claims for gender identity care may include counseling sessions and appointments to obtain prescriptions for gender-affirming treatments.
No data has been published on the number of claims filed due to gender identity under the age of 18.
But the report is consistent with similar studies that have also pointed to an increase in transgender care.
Above, the insurance claims for diagnoses with gender dysphoria – or a different gender than assigned at birth – are shown per year. These have also doubled since 2017
Across all age groups, the number of surgeries has increased most dramatically in 2021
A study published in 2022 found that the number of ‘top surgeries’ – which involve removing the breasts – in under-18s has increased 13-fold since 2013, while a second study from a data analytics firm found that some states are conducting up to 274 surgeries have seen. percent increase in gender dysphoria rates between 2018 and 2022.
Gender dysphoria is when someone says their biological sex does not match their gender identity.
The diagnosis is made through an interview with a mental health professional, who can then prescribe treatments.
These may include counseling, as well as taking therapies such as puberty blockers and feminizing or masculinizing hormones.
Gender-affirming surgeries may also be offered to better conform a person’s body to their gender identity.
Dr. Abbey Jo Schrage, an Idaho psychotherapist who treats transgender children, told the story Fox news that the increase was likely caused by greater awareness.
“The first is simply being aware of gender identity issues,” she told the publication.
“Young people have gained new and constant access to information and language about issues like gender identity through countless apps and websites.”
She added: ‘Another factor is the increasing cultural and social acceptance of gender identity expressions.’
