A Finnish study found detransitioners commonly had psychiatric comorbidities and childhood trauma, with most concluding their gender dysphoria arose from psychological distress rather than transgender identity.
A 2025 case series1 from Helsinki University Hospital reviewed nine adults who sought medical detransition after previously receiving “gender-affirming” treatments.
Seven were natal females and all expressed “major regret”; both natal males expressed “minor regret.” The average time from diagnosis to regret was 7 years. Patients had used hormones for an average of 7 years (median 4 years), with eight undergoing chest reconstruction/augmentation surgery and four females having reproductive organs surgically removed.
All nine had psychiatric comorbidities—mood disorders were most common (8 patients: 2 with bipolar II, 6 with depression), anxiety disorders (6 patients initially, 7 by detransition), personality disorders (3 patients, with borderline personality disorder increasing from 2 to 5 patients by detransition), and dissociative disorders (1 initially, 3 total). Childhood trauma was universal, with all having insecure attachment styles. Six reported sexual abuse/rape and six experienced school bullying. Eating disorders were diagnosed in 4 patients, with 78% having eating disorder symptoms.
Patients retrospectively believed their gender dysphoria stemmed from unresolved psychological stressors and developmental challenges rather than a stable transgender identity. The clinic has since revised its protocols to improve psychiatric screening, facilitate easier re-access for detransitioners without referrals, and emphasize clinical neutrality.