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Dhejne 2011 — Swedish long-term study

In 2011 Dhejne and colleagues published in PLOS ONE a long-term cohort study of 324 transgender people in Sweden who underwent gender-affirming surgery between 1973 and 2003.

Background

In 2011 Dhejne and colleagues published in PLOS ONE a long-term cohort study of 324 transgender people in Sweden who underwent gender-affirming surgery between 1973 and 2003. The study compared them with the general Swedish population.

Main findings

The study found increased mortality, increased risk of suicide and suicide attempts, and increased psychiatric morbidity compared with the general population. The authors concluded that gender-affirming surgery may alleviate dysphoria, but that additional mental health care remains essential.

Interpretation and debate

The study is cited both as evidence of continuing vulnerability after transition and in support of extensive psychosocial care. The authors themselves have stressed that the study does not demonstrate a causal link between surgery and negative outcomes, since a control group of non-operated trans people was lacking.