Finland Prioritises Psychotherapy Over Puberty Blockers for Youth
The Finnish Health Authority issued new national guidelines designating psychotherapy and psychosocial support, rather than puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, as the first-line treatment for gender-dysphoric minors. Following a systematic evidence review that found the evidence base for paediatric medical transition to be inconclusive, hormonal treatment was reserved for case-by-case assessment in centralised clinics.
Impact & Significance
Finland became the first country to formally move away from the Dutch Protocol approach, setting a precedent that Sweden, Norway, and Denmark would follow in subsequent years.
Reference Record
- Date
- June 2020
- Era
- 2020-present
- Sources
- 1
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