PO-01-069 GnRH analogues: An effective pharmacological approach for the management of restrictive eating behaviors related to Gender Dysphoria in adolescents

Abstract

The co-occurence of Gender Dysphoria (GD) and Anorexia Nervosa (AN) has been described in the scientific literature. While the emphasis so far has focused on the overlap in symptomatology of the two conditions, pathological eating behaviors in adolescents with GD may have a different psychopathological meaning. The main objective of the study is to conceptualize pathological eating behaviors (in particular, dieting, weight loss and intense physical activity) in adolescents with GD as a dysfunctional coping strategy used to deal with pubertal body changes. Furthermore, to describe the use of gonadotropin-releasing analogs (GnRHa) as an effective treatment option when adolescents with GD present restrictive eating behaviors. Two cases of adolescents with GD and pathological eating behaviors are presented. Both received psychological evaluations and endocrinological examinations at different times: at first admission to the GD clinic (T0) and 6 months after starting treatment with GnRHa (T1). In particular, at both times depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, social withdrawal, as well as suicidal risk were assessed. Regarding medical measures, Tanner stage, weigh, height, waist, body mass index (Kg/m2), Ferriman Gallwey score and hormonal levels were performed.