Post by Mental Health + Exercise Research Group

Huge milestone alert!! Kai Schweizer just published their first PhD publication, a systematic review on eating disorder treatment outcomes in trans and gender diverse people. Here is a summary of what the evidence shows: Trans patients can achieve meaningful reductions in eating disorder symptoms through treatment. In three of four quantitative studies, outcomes were comparable to cisgender patients. However, trans patients entered treatment with significantly higher rates of comorbid depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, which often persisted at discharge even when eating disorder symptoms had improved. Access to gender-affirming medical care, such as hormone therapy, was associated with better outcomes across the board, and in some cases participants attributed their recovery specifically to that care rather than to eating disorder treatment itself. The review argues that treating eating disorder symptoms in isolation, without addressing gender dysphoria or providing gender-affirming adaptations, may not reflect genuine or lasting recovery. Swipe through for the key findings, then read the full open access article via the link in the first comment. The University of Western Australia The Kids Research Institute Australia Ben Jackson Dr Sav Zwickl Penelope Strauss Dr Jane Miskovic-Wheatley