Washington State saw 145% jump in gender dysphoria diagnoses from 2018-22, report shows

OLYMPIA, Wash. (TND) — Washington State experienced the largest rise in gender dysphoria diagnoses among West Coast states from 2018 to 2022, according to Definitive Healthcare findings.

Washington saw a 145% spike in diagnoses compared to Oregon’s 90% increase and California’s 102%. All but one U.S. state experienced an increase during the time period, according to the report.

The Definitive Healthcare research shows that states without bans on gender-affirming care can encounter more transgender patients. Washington is one of 28 states without any prohibitions on such assistance. Additionally, a new article from Seattle Children's Hospital doctors argues that withholding gender-altering procedures from children is akin to "state-sanctioned medical neglect and emotional abuse."

The 22 states that do have such bans hold more than 35% of all American transgender minors, according to Definitive Healthcare. Some of the states with restrictions have had dips in diagnoses, indicating changing political and social climates have pushed patients to seek help in states regarded as more receptive to transgender people, according to Definitive Healthcare.

“The medical community deems this care as necessary for minors and adults alike,” the report states. “These bans present providers in neighboring states with an opportunity—if not a moral responsibility—to engage and take in patients who can no longer get necessary care in the places they live.”

READ MORE | Seattle doctors claim withholding gender procedures from transgender children is 'abuse'

Last year, two health centers at Seattle Public Schools offered "gender reaffirming care" to students at "no cost." Such care is supported by Definitive Healthcare in its report.

“Gender-affirming care almost always begins with psychotherapy,” the report notes. “Most providers require trans patients to receive six months to a year of mental health care—and parental consent—before prescribing puberty blockers and other hormone treatments, which are reversible.”

The research presents data showing roughly 30% of transgender people undergoing gender-affirming care used psychotherapy in 2022. Claims for 60-minute sessions “exploded” from 2019-22, increasing 127%. Thirty-minute sessions grew by 177%.

Definitive Healthcare says transgender people are at a higher risk of developing mental and behavioral health issues, substance abuse problems and chronic health complications. They are also more likely to experience domestic violence and sexual abuse than cisgender people. The report observes transgender patients’ historical impediments to accessing necessary care.

READ MORE | Seattle Public Schools offering 'gender reaffirming care' to students at 'no cost'

“Trans patients’ access to healthcare has been historically limited by a variety of factors, including disproportionate personal economic barriers, inconsistent payor coverage for mental health and other services, social stigma and discrimination, shortages of hormones and other drugs and a lack of specialists with expertise in transgender care,” the findings say.

Definitive Healthcare claims mental health treatment is especially valuable for transgender people since it addresses gender dysphoria complications and heals co-occurring psychiatric concerns.

“Many trans people experience distressing psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression in addition to or because of their dysphoric gender experience,” the report determines.