Adolescent gender dysphoria management: position paper from the Italian Academy of Pediatrics, the Italian Society of Pediatrics, the Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, the Italian Society of Adolescent Medicine and the Italian Society of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry
Authors: Calcaterra Valeria , Tornese Gianluca , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Staiano Annamaria , Cherubini Valentino , Gaudino Rossella , Fazzi Elisa Maria , Barbi Egidio , Chiarelli Francesco , Corsello Giovanni , Esposito Susanna Maria Roberta , Ferrara Pietro , Iughetti Lorenzo , Laforgia Nicola , Maghnie Mohamad , Marseglia Gianluigi , Perilongo Giorgio , Pettoello-Mantovani Massimo , Ruggieri Martino , Russo Giovanna , Salerno Mariacarolina , Striano Pasquale , Valerio Giuliana , Wasniewska Malgorzata ,   Italian Academy of Pediatrics, Italian Society of Pediatrics, Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Italian Society of Adolescent Medicine, Italian Society of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Agosti Massimo , Agostoni Carlo Virginio , Aiuti Alessandro , Azzari Chiara , Badolato Raffaele , Balduzzi Adriana , Baraldi Eugenio , Canani Roberto Berni , Biffi Alessandra , Biondi Andrea , Bisogno Gianni , Pierri Nicola Brunetti , Carnielli Virginio , Cianfarani Stefano , Cogo Paola , Corvaglia Luigi , Dani Carlo , Di Salvo Giovanni , Fagioli Franca , Fanos Vassilios , Ferrero Giovanni Battista , Francavilla Ruggiero , Galli Luisa , Gazzolo Diego , Giaquinto Carlo , Giordano Paola , Gitto Eloisa , Grosso Salvatore , Guarino Alfredo , Indrio Flavia , Lanari Marcello , Lionetti Paolo , Locatelli Franco , Lombardo Fortunato , Maffeis Claudio , Marino Bruno , Midulla Fabio , Del Giudice Emanuele Miraglia , Del Giudice Michele Miraglia , Montini Giovanni , Parenti Giancarlo , Parisi Pasquale , Peroni Diego , Perrotta Silverio , Piacentini Giorgio , Pietrobelli Angelo , Raimondi Francesco , Ramenghi Ugo , Ravelli Angelo , Romano Claudio , Rossi Francesca , Rossi Paolo , Damiano Vincenzo Salpietro , Spalice Alberto , Suppiej Agnese , Troncone Riccardo , Verrotti Alberto 
Published: April 2024

Background

In response to the imperative need for standardized support for adolescent Gender Dysphoria (GD), the Italian Academy of Pediatrics, in collaboration with the Italian Society of Pediatrics, the Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Italian Society of Adolescent Medicine and Italian Society of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry is drafting a position paper. The purpose of this paper is to convey the author's opinion on the topic, offering foundational information on potential aspects of gender-affirming care and emphasizing the care and protection of children and adolescents with GD.

Main body

Recognizing that adolescents may choose interventions based on their unique needs and goals and understanding that every individual within this group has a distinct trajectory, it is crucial to ensure that each one is welcomed and supported. The approach to managing individuals with GD is a multi-stage process involving a multidisciplinary team throughout all phases. Decisions regarding treatment should be reached collaboratively by healthcare professionals and the family, while considering the unique needs and circumstances of the individual and be guided by scientific evidence rather than biases or ideologies. Politicians and high court judges should address discrimination based on gender identity in legislation and support service development that aligns with the needs of young people. It is essential to establish accredited multidisciplinary centers equipped with the requisite skills and experience to effectively manage adolescents with GD, thereby ensuring the delivery of high-quality care.

Conclusion

Maintaining an evidence-based approach is essential to safeguard the well-being of transgender and gender diverse adolescents.