title: Psychological aspects of the treatment of patients with disorders of sex development.
abstract: Research on the psychological development of persons with Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) has focused on understanding the influence of atypical sex hormone exposure during steroid-sensitive periods of prenatal brain development on the process of psychosexual differentiation (i.e., gender identity, gender role, and sexual orientation). In contrast, analysis of clinical management strategies has focused on gender assignment and the desirability and timing of genital surgery. This review focuses on the psychological issues that confront clinicians managing the care of persons born with DSD and their families. Particular attention is paid to processes and factors that potentially mediate or moderate psychosocial and psychosexual outcomes within and across developmental stages.
authors.affiliation: Division of Child Behavioral Health, Department of Pediatrics & Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5318, USA. dsandber@med.umich.edu
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Sandberg
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gardner
authors.forename: Peggy T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Cohen-Kettenis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000196:embryology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D002666:Psychology, Child; D057829:Gender-Affirming Procedures / Q000523:psychology*; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology