The authors followed up 17 biologic male transsexuals who had received
sex-reassignment surgery an average of 8.2 years previously. Information
was collected from the transsexuals, their partners, and family members
when appropriate; MMPI scores were obtained from 12. No changes in levels
of psychopathology and only modest gains overall in economic functioning
and interpersonal relationships were found. Larger gains were made in
sexual satisfaction and being accepted by family members. None of the 17
transsexuals had doubts about having had the surgery. The authors believe
that for a select group surgery is still the best means of coping with
transsexualism and that an individual's adjustment before surgery is one of
the best indicators of success in coping with the stress of surgery.Abstract Teaser