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Transition of care for adolescents with disorders of sex development

Nature Reviews Endocrinology volume 10, pages 436–442 (2014)Cite this article

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Abstract

Disorders of sex development (DSDs) continue to present many challenges. A clear consensus among clinicians has emerged in paediatric care; however, the same cannot be said of adult care services. Moreover, transition to adult care is a process that takes many years. Although evidence-based models of transitional care do exist in other medical specialities, few studies have been conducted in adolescents with DSDs, and a clear and pressing need exists for further research to guide the care of these patients. A general move towards independence and self-responsibility is common to all transition programmes, but specific issues for those with a DSD include disclosure, genital examinations and potential vaginal treatments. Psychological support underpins the whole transition process for patients with a DSD and encourages an individual approach to develop. In this Perspectives article, we describe the barriers to successful transition in this setting and outline suggestions to overcome them.

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Figure 1: The transition from paediatric care to adult health services for an individual with a disorder of sex development.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Women's Health, St Michael's Hospital, Southwell Street, Bristol, BS2 8EG, UK

    Naomi S. Crouch

  2. Department of Women's Health, University College London Hospitals, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG, UK

    Sarah M. Creighton

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  1. Naomi S. Crouch
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Both authors contributed equally to all aspects of this manuscript (researching data for the article, discussions of its content, writing and reviewing or editing the manuscript before submission).

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Correspondence to Sarah M. Creighton.

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Crouch, N., Creighton, S. Transition of care for adolescents with disorders of sex development. Nat Rev Endocrinol 10, 436–442 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2014.62

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