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Review: Mental Health and Health Care Needs in Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth in China
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DOI：10.1016/j.jaacop.2025.07.002.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Objective: Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people in China have long remained relatively invisible, and research focusing on this population is scarce. This study aimed to analyze and summarize existing evidence to outline the mental health and health care needs of TGD adolescents in China, thereby guiding future health initiatives. Method: Research articles on TGD adolescents in China published in Chinese and English and found on PubMed, Wanfang (in Chinese), and CNKI (in Chinese) databases were examined; 12 articles published between January 1, 2020, and April 1, 2025, were analyzed in the review. Results: TGD adolescents in China frequently experience family and school violence, bullying, and problematic smartphone and internet use. There is a high prevalence of mental health disorders, notably depression and anxiety, as well as high occurrences of self-harm and suicidal behaviors in this population. Furthermore, although there is a pronounced need for hormone therapy, barriers in diagnosis and treatment obstruct TGD adolescents in China from receiving accessible and standard care. Conclusion: Research on the mental health of TGD adolescents in China is lacking. Mental health care for these adolescents requires immediate attention, prioritizing the integration of social and psychological support to improve their mental well-being. Gender education is needed in both family and educational settings to enhance the understanding of gender minority. Development of comprehensive medical services, encompassing both mental health support and hormone therapies, is needed to improve psychosocial function and physiological health of TGD youth. Plain language summary: This review examined research studies on mental health conditions and healthcare needs among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents in China. Findings reveal high rates of depression (39.0%-63.4%), anxiety (22.4%-38.4%), self-harm (24.6%-27.5%), suicidal ideation (31.8%-56.3%), and suicidal behavior (4.2%-16.1%) in this population. Many Chinese TGD youth reported experiencing family and school violence, bullying, and problematic smartphone and internet use. This study shows an urgent need for more accessible psychological support and medical services for this population. Enhancing gender education in families and schools is essential to improve the well-being of TGD youth.
Keywords:
China
medical needs
mental health
transgender
youth
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