Psychiatrists are concerned that New Zealand's decision to halt new prescriptions of puberty blockers for young people with gender incongruence without developing clear guidance on appropriate care could worsen mental health outcomes for an already vulnerable group.

The Chair of RANZCP Tū Te Akaaka Roa, NZ National Office of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Dr Hiran Thabrew, said that while being trans or gender-diverse does not represent a mental health condition, trans and gender-diverse people experience higher rates of mental illness due to stigma, discrimination, trauma, abuse, and assault.

"While those already receiving treatment will continue to have access, people newly seeking support are already navigating a maze of confusion and distress. Removing this treatment option without clarifying alternative options for support can cause significant additional harm to their mental health at a time when they are most vulnerable.

"Trans and gender-diverse people deserve to be treated with care, respect and dignity. That includes upholding their right to access the support they need while clinical trials and reviews are underway."

Dr Thabrew emphasised the importance of consulting people with lived experience before implementing blanket restrictions.

"These decisions profoundly affect real people's lives. Trans and gender-diverse people and their whānau must be meaningfully consulted before policies that directly impact their healthcare are put in place.

New national guidelines on healthcare for transgender and non-binary people are urgently needed so that clinicians, families, and affected communities can understand the available options and associated level of evidence. These should be developed with the input of people with lived experience, their whānau and clinicians.

Clear service models for stepped care, that include centres of expertise such as the ‘gender hubs’ proposed in the UK, are also needed so that clinicians know how to support young people expressing gender-related concerns.  

"We have long advocated for more research in Aotearoa New Zealand into safe and effective treatment options for trans and gender-diverse individuals, guided by the strongest clinical evidence. We look forward to seeing some commitment toward this goal”.

"The announcement on Transgender Day of Remembrance makes it all the more important that governments ensure any changes to care pathways prioritise people's wellbeing, include their voices, and protect them from harm."

"We encourage our members to continue working alongside trans and gender-diverse people, their whānau, and communities to ensure their mental health needs are being met during this time of uncertainty," Dr Thabrew said.

For media inquiries, please contact: Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org 

For all other expert mental health information visit Your Health in Mind, the RANZCP’s consumer health information website.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org.

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.