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Personality traits and personality disorders in gender dysphoria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 March 2020

V. Deiana*
Affiliation:
University of Cagliari, Clinica Psichiatrica, Cagliari, Italy
E. Corda
Affiliation:
University of Cagliari, Clinica Psichiatrica, Cagliari, Italy
C. Bandecchi
Affiliation:
University of Cagliari, Clinica Psichiatrica, Cagliari, Italy
S. Pintore
Affiliation:
University of Cagliari, Clinica Psichiatrica, Cagliari, Italy
F. Pinna
Affiliation:
University of Cagliari, Clinica Psichiatrica, Cagliari, Italy
R. Pusceddu
Affiliation:
University of Cagliari, Clinica Psichiatrica, Cagliari, Italy
A. Oppo
Affiliation:
AOU Cagliari, Unità Operativa di Endocrinologia, Monserrato, Italy
S. Mariotti
Affiliation:
AOU Cagliari, Unità Operativa di Endocrinologia, Monserrato, Italy
A. Argiolas
Affiliation:
University of Cagliari, Clinica Psichiatrica, Cagliari, Italy
B. Carpiniello
Affiliation:
University of Cagliari, Clinica Psichiatrica, Cagliari, Italy
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Investigations in the field of gender dysphoria (GD) have been mostly related to psychiatric comorbidity and severe psychiatric disorders, but have focused less on personality traits and personality disorders (PDs).

We aimed to assess personality and the presence of PDs in a sample of 25 persons with GD attending the Psychiatric Clinic or the Department of Endocrinology of the University of Cagliari requesting sex reassignment therapy. They were assessed through the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II (SCID-II).

The sample consisted of 14 MtF and 11 FtM, with a mean age of 29.6 ± 9.5. Overall, 39.1% of the sample met the criteria for at least one PD, more frequently cluster-B PD (21.7%). MtF met a higher number of SCID-II criteria than FtM, especially regarding histrionic personality traits (P = 0.001). A total of 20 persons (9 MtF and 11 FtM) completed the MMPI-2. Mean T scores did not differ from the general population, except for the Psychopathic Deviate (Pd) scale (mean T = 66.2 ± 11.2). The Masculinity-Femininity (Mf) scale was slightly increased, and its score reduced after correction for perceived sex (P = 0.037). MtF scored significantly higher at the Family Problems (FAM) scale (P = 0.052) and lower at the Social Discomfort (SOD) scale (P = 0.005) compared to FtM.

The high prevalence of PDs confirms that this kind of assessment in GD is of great importance, as a key part of personalized treatment plan tailoring. The high scores on the Pd scale suggest misidentification with societal standards.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Type
EV1206
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2016
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