Story perspectives

Study Shows No Mental Health Gains from Puberty Blockers

2/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, an advocate for adolescent gender treatments, delayed publishing a study amid the contentious U.S. political climate.
The study, started in 2015, enrolled 95 children who received puberty blockers to treat gender dysphoria.
Olson-Kennedy's findings, contrasting with a Dutch study, show no mental health improvements after two years and indicate baseline well-being.
The findings challenge claims that many adolescents had depression or suicidal thoughts before treatment.

1 of 1

Story summary

Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, an advocate for adolescent gender treatments, delayed publishing a study amid the contentious U.S. political climate.
The study, started in 2015, enrolled 95 children who received puberty blockers to treat gender dysphoria.
Olson-Kennedy's findings, contrasting with a Dutch study, show no mental health improvements after two years and indicate baseline well-being.
The findings challenge claims that many adolescents had depression or suicidal thoughts before treatment.