A National Study on the Physical and Mental Health of Intersex Adults in the U.S.

Objectives: To describe the health of intersex adults (people with differences of sex development) in the U.S. using community-based research methods. Methods: In July–September 2018, we conducted a national health study of intersex adults aged 18 and older in the U.S., using a survey hosted on Qualtrics. The study describes the physical and mental health experiences of intersex adults, including differences by age (18 to 39 vs. 40 and older). Questions were derived from national (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) and intersex-related health studies. Results: A non-probability sample of 198 intersex adults completed the survey over three months. Over 43% of participants rated their physical health as fair/poor and 53% reported fair/poor mental health. Prevalent health diagnoses included depression, anxiety, arthritis, and hypertension, with significant differences by age. Nearly a third reported difficulty with everyday tasks and over half reported serious difficulties with cognitive tasks. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first national study of intersex adults in the U.S. Greater understanding of intersex health over the life course is essential. Findings highlight the need for longitudinal studies and further examination of potential health disparities experienced by intersex populations

Global disorders of sex development update since 2006: perceptions, approach and care

The goal of this update regarding the diagnosis and care of persons with disorders of sex development (DSDs) is to address changes in the clinical approach since the 2005 Consensus Conference, since knowledge and viewpoints change. An effort was made to include representatives from a broad perspective including support and advocacy groups. The goal of patient care is focused upon the best possible quality of life (QoL). The field of DSD is continuously developing. An update on the clinical evaluation of infants and older individuals with ambiguous genitalia including perceptions regarding male or female assignment is discussed. Topics include biochemical and genetic assessment, the risk of germ cell tumor development, approaches to psychosocial and psychosexual well-being and an update on support groups. Open and on-going communication with patients and parents must involve full disclosure, with the recognition that, while DSD conditions are life-long, enhancement of the best possible outcome improves QoL. The evolution of diagnosis and care continues, while it is still impossible to predict gender development in an individual case with certainty. Such decisions and decisions regarding surgery during infancy that alters external genital anatomy or removes germ cells continue to carry risk

Erratum: Global disorders of sex development update since 2006: perceptions, approach and care (Hormone Research in Paediatrics (2016) 85 (158-180) DOI: 10.1159/000442975)

In the appendix of the recent publication by Lee et al. entitled 'Global disorders of sex development update since 2006: perceptions, approach and care' [Horm Res Paediatr 2016;85:158–180, DOI: 10.1159/000442975], Massimo Di Grazia, Psychologist, is incorrectly mentioned to be from Cosenga, Italy. The correct city is Trieste, Italy