Mental Health Outcomes Among Transgender Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members in the United States: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Background: It has been shown that veterans and active-duty service members may experience worse mental health outcomes compared with civilians and nonveterans. In addition, transgender veterans and service members face unique challenges. We conducted a systematic review of articles presenting data on mental health outcomes in transgender veterans and active-duty service members. Outcomes examined in this review include symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, suicidality, substance use, and military sexual trauma.

Observations: In the military, transgender individuals face stigma and discrimination. Transgender veterans and service members have worse mental health outcomes and higher odds of suicidality compared with their cisgender counterparts. Drug and alcohol use disorders are more prevalent among transgender veterans compared with cisgender veterans. Transgender veterans are also more likely to report military sexual trauma than cisgender veterans.

Conclusions: In the literature, evidence exists that transgender veterans and service members experience worse mental health outcomes than their cisgender counterparts. Additional research is required to measure the effect of gender-affirming care on health outcomes among transgender veterans and active-duty service members to better serve this population and provide optimal care.