New findings from University of Hamburg describe advances in hermaphroditism
2007 OCT 8 -- According to recent research from Hamburg, Germany, "Until now, there are only few studies that focus on the specific treatment experiences of people with intersexuality and evaluate their outcome in terms of psychological, physical, and social well-being. Further, the presentation of the patients' perspective is often neglected in research. Overview of preliminary results of the Hamburg-Intersex-Study on gender assignment and medical history of adult subjects with intersexuality (disorders of sex development), as well as the patients retrospectively stated thoughts and feelings regarding these interventions. Medical records from participants of the study were analyzed." "The subjective attitudes and evaluation of the treatment measures were assessed with a self-constructed questionnaire. Data on psychological well-being were measured with the Brief Symptom Inventory. In total, 37 adult participants (mean age 30.6 years) with following diagnosis were included: congenital adrenal hyperplasia, complete and partial androgen insensitivity syndrome, gonadal dysgenesis and disturbances of the androgen biosynthesis, such as 5 alpha reductase deficiency and 17 beta hydroxysteroid deficiency. The majority of participants had (often multiple) genital surgery to correct the appearance of their genitalia and/or to enable sexual functioning. The diagnostic groups differ not only in amount and invasiveness of experienced surgical and medical treatment but also in the subjective and retrospective evaluation of the treatment measures and in the amount of reported psychological distress. Many subjects stated to have experienced the medical procedures and care very negatively, whereby the aspects of secrecy, untruthfulness, and concealment were stated as most difficult and burdening. Brinkmann L, Schuetzmann K, and Richter-Appelt H," wrote L. Brinkmann and colleagues, University of Hamburg. The researchers concluded: "Gender assignment and medical history of individuals with different forms of intersexuality: Evaluation of medical records and the patients' perspective." Brinkmann and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine (Gender assignment and medical history of individuals with different forms of intersexuality: Evaluation of medical records and the patients' perspective. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2007;4(4 Part 1):964-980). For additional information, contact L. Brinkmann, University of Hamburg, Hospital Eppendorf, Institute Sex Research & Forens Psychiatry, Martinistr 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany. Publisher contact information for the Journal of Sexual Medicine is: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DQ, Oxon, England. Keywords: Germany, Hamburg, Hermaphroditism, Mental Health, Psychological, Psychology, University of Hamburg. This article was prepared by Mental Health Weekly Digest editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Mental Health Weekly Digest via NewsRx.com.
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