The Royal College of Psychiatrists has drawn up new guidelines for dealing with the condition, encouraging increased support and early counselling. Youngsters trapped by turmoil Express Reporter Gender dysphoria can become obvious in children as young as three, some experts claim. Their schoolwork deteriorates. The children can become withdrawn and even show suicidal tendencies. Most are desparate to have hormone treatment but they must wait until they are past puberty.
Specialists say a child risks abnormally thin bones if hormones are given earlier.
Surgery is out until at least 18. ADAM, seven, likes to be called Sarah. Here his mother, Louise, reveals how their pain eased. It was four years ago that Adam's condition first began to show. Until then he had occasionally tied tea-towels round his waist like a skirt or wrapped himself in the net curtains as though it was a wedding dress, but I just dismissed it as a child playing.