Despite the fact that gender identity disorders (wording according to ICD-10; ICD-11: gender incongruence) have attracted significantly more public and scientific attention in recent years, especially in the context of transsexuality in adolescents (1), quantitative data on this topic are still scarce in Germany.
The aim of this study was to compile initial data on trends in the prevalence of diagnosed gender identity disorders, the stability of these diagnoses over time and psychiatric comorbidities.
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The diagnostic persistence over the 5-year follow-up period of less than 50% in all age groups is in line with the literature and presumably reflects the fluidity of the concept of gender identity in childhood and adolescence (5); however, it could also be interpreted as a an indication of the need for a comprehensive, standardized diagnostic procedure (www.cass.independent-review.uk/publications/final-report).
There is a need for further research into what causes the low diagnostic persistence and the observed increase in prevalence. In the meantime, diagnostic stability and the high prevalence of concomitant mental disorders should be taken into account in the recommendations on the initiation of gender reassignment treatment in adolescence.