Dr. Marcus Evans, a former governor at the UK’s only NHS gender identity service for children, has voiced concerns about the risks associated with sex change surgeries for young individuals, stating that they are at high risk of suicide. He criticized the service for its ideological approach, which he claims overrides clinical judgment. This criticism was supported by a review by Dr. Hillary Cass, which found insufficient evidence for the use of puberty blockers in individuals under 18. The service, which has seen a surge in referrals, has been further scrutinized for its rapid medical responses and lack of adequate psychological assessments, potentially leading to negative outcomes for patients.

Luke, a young person from Ireland, described his experience of undergoing hormone treatment and a double mastectomy at 19 without sufficient psychological support, experiencing significant distress post-surgery. This case and others underline the concerns expressed by former staff about the medical and psychological care provided to those undergoing gender transition treatments within the NHS.

In a separate narrative, Rose Cartwright, known for her memoir about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), has questioned traditional mental health narratives after reevaluating her own diagnosis and treatment. Following discussions with neuroscience experts and personal exploration of alternative therapies, Cartwright has highlighted potential shortcomings in the medical model of mental health. Her findings advocate for a more holistic and nuanced approach, considering societal, environmental, and individual factors in understanding and treating mental health issues.