Objective:
Psychologists are increasingly working within an interdisciplinary medical setting and are often asked to help patients weigh the risks and benefits of medical treatment. In this case example, we discuss the ethical considerations to be addressed when working with a transgender youth who is also diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta.
Method:
Using a single-study case review, we identify medical considerations for a youth with co-occurring gender dysphoria and osteogenesis imperfecta, including the potential impact of not moving forward with medical intervention.
Results:
As there are multiple considerations for care with these two co-occurring issues, questions to pose to the family prior to any treatment for gender dysphoria are discussed. The role of the psychologist in an interdisciplinary setting is noted, as well as the importance of decision aids to guide the decision-making process.
Conclusions:
The presentation of co-occurring gender dysphoria and osteogenesis imperfecta poses multiple considerations for medical treatment. Using the biomedical ethics framework, we posit questions that are important to explore with the patient and family prior to medical interventions.
Implications for Impact Statement
This paper provides an overview of the medical and ethical considerations involved when considering medical interventions with a patient who presents with co-occurring gender dysphoria and osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle-bone disease). The need for interdisciplinary care and continued discussions among the youth, parents and providers are highlighted, as well as resources to utilize if there are disagreements among parties (parents, the family or treatment team).
