Predictors of mood or anxiety problems among transgender individuals seeking hormone therapy.

Background: Mental health needs of transgender individuals can be complex with individual, social, and medical factors impacting symptoms. This study examines predictors of mood or anxiety problems among transgender individuals seeking hormone therapy (HT).

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at 2 clinics providing gender-affirming HT. Cross-sectional data from initial patient encounters (N = 311) were used in this study. Bivariate correlations and multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out.

Results: Transgender women (TW) were 2.2 times more likely to have mood or anxiety problems while transgender men (TM) were 2.6 times more likely as the number of medical comorbidities increased. For both TW and TM, White race significantly increased the likelihood of mood or anxiety problems. Neither previous nor current HT were associated with mood or anxiety problems for TW and TM. However, receiving multiple gender-affirming procedures decreased the likelihood of mood or anxiety problems for TM.

Conclusions: Gender-affirming care and addressing comorbidities can be important aspects of mental health needs for transgender individuals.