Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders Among Transgender Individuals With Gender Dysphoria in India and Unmet Needs of Those With Psychiatric Disorders

Objective Transgender individuals (TGs) experience discrimination, socio-cultural, and financial challenges, along with disparities in access to health care as well as gender affirming care, all of which are compounded by the presence of psychiatric morbidity. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among TGs and assess the unmet needs of those with psychiatric morbidity. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to May 2024 in India. A convenience sample of 128 transgender women assigned male at birth, with gender dysphoria attending awareness camps about mental health issues were assessed using DSM-5-TR. They were administered a semi-structured interview, and the Camberwell Assessment of Needs Short Appraisal Schedule (CANSAS). Results The prevalence of any DSM-5-TR mental disorder was 72% (n = 92). Major depressive disorder (n = 51, 40%) was the most common diagnosis. The mean number of needs on CANSAS was 6.1. Only 8.5% of these needs were met. The most commonly reported unmet needs among those with psychiatric disorder were money (79.3%), welfare benefits (69.5%), basic education (40.1%), psychological distress (44.5%), intimate relationships (37%), accommodation (34%), transportation (32%), and information on condition and treatment (29.3%). Conclusion The prevalence of any DSM-5-TR mental disorder was high, with depression being the most common. Most of the needs expressed by the transgender individuals with psychiatric disorders were unmet, with the most reported needs being access to basic amenities, financial difficulties, and unaddressed psychological distress.