[Transsexualism and its therapy]

Abstract

After a review of the historical development of ideas about transsexualiam and the discussion of possible somatic and psychological causes of this condition, the results of explorations of 12 male and 6 female transsexuals who desired a hormonal and surgical approximation to the opposite sex are reported. Two of the nine patients whose chromosomes were examined were found to suffer from Klinefelter's Syndrome. From the personal history it was apparent that 8 of the 12 male transsexuals had difficulty in identifying with an absent, alcoholic or brutal father. The wish to be a member of the opposite sex could be traced in 10 of the 12 male and all 6 female transsexuals to the first five years of life. 7 of the 12 male transsexuals and 3 of the 6 female transsexuals were found to have attempted suicide or to have had suicidal tendencies in the past. In 9/12 male transsexuals and 5/6 female transsexuals the "change of sex" operation was considered to be indicated. The average age at operation was 28 for the male transsexuals and 26 for the female transsexuals. The follow-up studies were done 2 months to 3 years after operation for the male transsexuals (average 1, 7 years) and 2 to 3 3/4 years post operatively (average 2, 9 years) for the female transsexuals. 7/8 of the male transsexuals from whom we have katamneses and both female transsexuals reported that they felt subjectively better than before the operation. The present legal situation concerning the registration of change of name and sex in various countries is described.