A 16-Year-Old Boy Comes to the Office for an Annual

A 16-year-old boy comes to the office for an annual checkup before starting at a new school.  Vital signs, physical examination, and growth curves are within normal limits.  When asked if he is looking forward to starting school, the patient hesitates and says, "Doc, I really want to talk to you about something.  I've never really felt right being a boy.  I don't even like having a boy's body.  I wish I had been born a girl because I feel and think like girls do; I always have."  Last school year, the patient started skipping gym class due to feeling uncomfortable about changing in the boys' locker room.  The patient says, "I heard there might be ways to change my appearance, but I haven't discussed this with anyone yet."  In addition to providing support, which of the following is the best next step in management of this patient?

A) Discuss the risks and benefits of gender affirmation surgery
B) Inform the parents and obtain permission to treat the patient
C) Monitor and revisit the patient's feelings in a year
D) Offer multidisciplinary support services and care
E) Recommend beginning hormonal treatment

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free