A Qualitative Study Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to Explore the Experiences of Young People Presenting with Gender dysphoria within a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.

Focus of the Study: Young people presenting with gender dysphoria or who are questioning, will be interviewed using a semi-structured approach. Their hopes, expectations, and experiences of using a child and adolescent mental health service will be captured and explored. This will contribute towards the body of knowledge in the field, and the information may then be used to inform planning of CAMHS provision to further understand and meet the needs of this vulnerable group. Gap: Although gender dysphoria is not a new presentation, there is limited body of knowledge in this field particularly regarding treatment. Service user participation or more recently termed as ‘experts by experience’ is part of the NHS long-term plan and is defined as young people who have personal knowledge of services, through their own use of those services (CQC, 2023). However, most of the studies do not reflect this and particularly, transgendered and non-binary young people’s voices are under-represented. Methodology: A qualitative service evaluation sought to evaluate the service user experience of a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). A small number of young people with gender dysphoria or who are questioning their gender were interviewed using a semi-structured approach over the telephone. The interviews were analysed by using an Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Countertransference reflections were incorporated as an integral part of the process providing an extra layer of analysis and understanding. Conclusion: The use of semi-structured interviews in conjunction with the interviewer’s countertransference enabled participants to share their experiences of accessing a CAMHS service. The use of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) provided unique insights into the participant’s world and experiences offering significant contributions to our understanding of gender dysphoria and helping to shape the services gender variant young people access.