The rise of changing attitudes, the mental health crisis among young people and the proliferation of porn on mobile phones have led to an increase in the number of minors seeking treatment for sexual anxiety in Western countries since the 2010s. This conclusion was made by British pediatrician, Hilary Cass, after conducting an extensive investigation into the treatment of sexual anxiety in children and young people.
One interesting finding from Cass’s research is that while it was previously men who sought medical means to correct their gender identity issues, nowadays teenage girls are increasingly seeking treatment for gender anxiety. To provide appropriate care for young people, it is crucial to understand the reasons behind this trend.
Cass emphasizes that treatment for gender anxiety does not necessarily mean hormones or surgery but rather a comprehensive approach that includes support and guidance. Evidence-based guidelines and systematic research are needed to determine the most effective and safe treatments for young people struggling with gender anxiety.
The report highlights a lack of robust evidence supporting the benefits of puberty blockers in alleviating gender anxiety in young people. Additionally, there are concerns about the long-term effects of hormonal treatments on mental and psychosexual development, fertility, and overall health. A cautious approach should be taken when prescribing appearance-changing hormones to young people under 18 years old, with close monitoring of their well-being throughout the treatment process being essential.
Furthermore, the report addresses factors such as online harassment, social media use, exposure to pornography, and pressure to conform to societal norms of masculinity and femininity as potential contributors to gender anxiety in young people. Therefore, individualized and holistic care is recommended for those experiencing gender identity issues.