| Abstrakt: |
INTRODUCTION: Estimates of gender nonconformity range from 0.5% to over 1% in US samples. Gender dysphoria refers to psychological distress from an incongruence between one's sex assigned at birth and one's gender identity. Research suggests increased risk for co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses in those with gender dysphoria. Some transgender persons undergo gender transition treatment, which may include hormone therapy and/or undergoing medical procedures. For many, gender-affirming treatment results in reduced psychological distress. Treatment with hormones can also result in other emotional and mental/cognitive changes that are not well characterized. Psychological and neuropsychological assessment of individuals with Gender Dysphoria is part of an evaluation for waiver recommendation, although there are particular challenges for assessment in this group. The availability of appropriate normative data is extremely limited and use of assessment measures with gender norms can be problematic. TOPIC: Given the potential comorbid psychosocial issues and psychiatric diagnoses in those with a history of Gender Dysphoria, post-transition transgender pilots and aircrew are evaluated at the ACS. This evaluation includes clinical interviews with psychiatry and psychology, psychological/personality assessment, and intellectual/ neurocognitive testing. A total of 14 flyers have been evaluated at the ACS for Gender Dysphoria. Most are male to female transition (71%). All were administered MAB-II, MicroCog, MMPI-2-RF, and NEO-PI-3. We present qualitative findings of these measures to explore the usefulness of psychological testing data in this population. Additionally, we address potential aeromedical implications and provide some recommendations for navigating the challenges in assessment of this unique population. APPLICATION: Gender Dysphoria is disqualifying for flying duties in the USAF, but a waiver may be considered for flying if stability can be documented. Comprehensive assessment, with the inclusion of objective measures of neurocognitive and psychological functioning can be useful, although there are several factors to consider when using assessment instruments that have not been normed or validated on the transgender population. Findings from the series of evaluations of those with Gender Dysphoria at the ACS are provided to highlight the usefulness of these measures and inform future assessments in this population. Learning Objectives 1. The audience will have a greater understanding of Gender Dysphoria among aviation population. 2. The learner will be briefed on the challenges on psychological and neuropsychological assessment in gender nonconforming individuals. 3. Assess the usefulness of psychological and neuropsychological testing data in the evaluation of aircrew wtih Gender Dysphoria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
