SAT414 Gender Identity And Sexual Orientation Among Patients Evaluated By Psychiatric In A Pediatric ED

Disclosure: D. Alejandro: None. A. Martinez: None. C. Escudero: None. G. Rieger: None. Background: Over the two decades the number of transgender and Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) youth has increased significantly. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions has been reported to be high among this population. In this report we explore gender identity and sexual orientation among patients evaluated by psychiatry in an emergency room of a pediatric hospital. Methods: We reviewed the charts of 220 patients who were evaluated by a psychiatric social worker in the emergency department between August and October 2022. Gender identity and sexual orientation were documented in 118 of these patients. Results: Of 118 patients, ranging in age from 10 to 21 years, whose gender identity and sexual orientation were evaluated, 78 (66%) were Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) and 40 (33%) were Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB). Hispanic ethnicity was represented in 78% (93) of our population followed by Non-Hispanic White in 13% (16).Of AFAB, 12 patients (15%) identified as trans-male and 10 (13%) identified as non-binary. Of AMAB, one (2.5%) was identified as non-binary and three (7%) were unsure. Regarding sexual orientation, 26 (33%) of AFAB reported being heterosexual, 23(29%) bisexual, 5 (6.4%) pansexual and 9 (11.5%) were unsure/exploring. Among trans-males, 4(33%) identified as bisexual, 3 (25%) as gay, 2(16%) as pansexual, 2(16%) were unsure and one (8%) did not respond. Twenty-eight (70%) of AMAB reported to be heterosexual, 4 (10%) bisexual, one (2.5%) gay, 4 (10%) were unsure/exploring. The only trans-female reported to be bisexual. Regarding identified psychiatric diagnoses, major depressive disorder was reported in 83% of our population, being AFAB the most affected in 67%. Conclusions: The prevalence of transgender/GNC among pediatric patients evaluated by a psychiatric social worker at a children’s hospital emergency department is significantly higher than in the general population. Non-heterosexual sexual orientation is also higher than in the cisgender population. Emergency department providers in pediatric emergency facilities should receive formal training in the evaluation and management of LGBTQ youth. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023