Russian Society of Psychiatrists says transgender people can’t be ‘cured’ and instead recommends they undergo psychotherapy
The Russian Society of Psychiatrists (RSP) has prepared draft clinical recommendations on “Gender Identity Disorders.” Russian newspaper Kommersant brought attention to the document, which was published in December 2023. These recommendations are not yet on the list of those approved by Russia’s Health Ministry.
In the draft document, the RSP said that it’s impossible to “cure” a transgender person so that they no longer have a need to transition, nor is it possible to prevent the “development of this condition.” According to the psychiatrists, this means that transgender people are only left with the option of treatment through psychotherapy.
The RSP says the goals of psychotherapy are to “develop an adaptive behavioral model” and possibly “attempt to reconcile with one’s original gender.” Cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as acceptance and commitment therapy, are listed among the approaches.
The document says there are two categories of people who can legally receive assistance:
- People with congenital conditions, genetic, or endocrine diseases, which disrupted the formation of reproductive organs (in this case, surgical procedures and prescription medications are allowed);
- People who have undergone gender affirming surgery before July 24, 2023, based on the opinion of a medical commission (they can receive hormone replacement therapy).
In July 2023, Russia changed several federal laws in order to limit the rights of transgender people. Medical treatments that may be required during the transition period are now prohibited. Transgender people are also now banned from changing their gender marker in their documents. Those who were able to change their documents now also face a large number of restrictions.
Sign up for Meduza’s daily newsletter
A digest of Russia’s investigative reports and news analysis. If it matters, we summarize it.