Anxiety symptoms and self-reported executive functioning in transgender and gender nonconforming adults: associations with autistic traits and depression

TL;DR

This study explores how anxiety, depression, and autistic traits affect executive functioning in transgender and gender nonconforming adults.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the interplay of mental health and autism in TGNC individuals.

Findings

Anxiety was the strongest predictor of executive functioning scores.

Depression symptoms and autistic traits did not significantly predict executive functioning.

Supporting mental health, especially anxiety, can help TGNC autistic individuals.

Abstract

Between 4.8 and 26% of adults presenting to gender dysphoria clinics have autism. Both autistic people and transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people have higher rates of mental health conditions including anxiety and depression and more difficulties with executive functioning, all of which impact quality of life.

We characterized relationships among mental health, gender nonconformity, and autism in a sample of 54 TGNC individuals, 44.4% of whom were autistic (29.6% formally diagnosed and 14.8% self-identified). We analyzed traits continuously (using the Autism Spectrum Quotient).

Anxiety was the strongest predictor of executive functioning scores, while the contributions of depression symptoms and autistic traits did not rise to the level of statistical significance.

Findings suggest that clinicians can support TGNC autistic people by helping them with their mental health, particularly with managing their anxiety.