학술논문

Mental health practitioners' narratives about gender transition and the role of diagnosis: A qualitative study in the Italian context.
Document Type
Article
Source
Health & Social Care in the Community. Sep2022, Vol. 30 Issue 5, pe2678-e2689. 12p. 1 Chart.
Subject
*ATTITUDES of medical personnel
*RESEARCH methodology
*MENTAL status examination
*GENDER dysphoria
*INTERVIEWING
*GENDER transition
*DISCOURSE analysis
*CISGENDER people
Language
ISSN
0966-0410
Abstract
In many European Countries, a diagnosis is needed to access the gender transition process, which has sparked debate about whether gender variance should be equated with a psychodiagnosis. This study explores mental health practitioners' perspectives about the implications of using the diagnosis for gatekeeping purposes. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 Italian mental health specialists. The personal positions and interpretative repertoires emerging from the interviews centred on three thematic areas: the diagnosis, the practitioner's role, and the clinical relationship. In relation to the development of health promotion policies, findings underscore the importance of exercising reflexivity, adhering to theory and national and/or international guidelines, and analysing people's needs to ensure that the clinical setting is an affirmative space, especially for non‐binary people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]