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Littman 2018 — Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria

Lisa Littman, then affiliated with Brown University School of Public Health, published in 2018 in PLOS ONE a study based on an online survey of 256 parents who reported that their adolescent child suddenly developed gender dysphoria, often in friendship groups in which several children came out at the same time.

Research

Lisa Littman, then affiliated with Brown University School of Public Health, published in 2018 in PLOS ONE a study based on an online survey of 256 parents who reported that their adolescent child suddenly developed gender dysphoria, often in friendship groups in which several children came out at the same time.

The term ROGD

Littman introduced the term 'Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria' (ROGD). The study suggested a role for social influence and peer contagion in the emergence of dysphoria in adolescence.

Criticism and correction

The article was sharply criticised for its recruitment (via parent communities critical of transition) and for selection bias. In 2019 PLOS ONE published a correction with explicit limitations, but maintained the publication.

Status

Professional associations such as WPATH and the American Academy of Pediatrics do not recognise ROGD as a diagnostic entity. The concept nonetheless remains the subject of scientific and clinical discussion, partly in light of the strong rise in adolescent referrals since 2010.