Comparison of self-harm and defense mechanisms in individuals with Gender Identity Disorder before and after sex reassignment surgery

Individuals with gender identity disorder (GID) experienceseries of adjustment problems in society before and after sex reassignment surgery. The aim of this study was to compare self-harm and defense mechanisms before and after sex reassignment surgery in these persons.
We used a case- control design, in quantitative stage 30 people with GID before surgery and 30 people with GID after surgery and normal people were investigated.
Data analysis by a Multivariate analysis of variance were showndecreasedtrend of directly self-harm behaviors after surgery, whereas there were not any differences in indirect self-harm behaviors before and after surgery. No differences was found in neurotic and mature defense mechanisms between groups.
It seemthat the sex reassignment surgery could effectivelydecreasethe directly self-harm and immature defense mechanisms, while it has no effect in changing indirect self-harm, neurotic and mature defense mechanisms. It could be concluded that indirect self-harm sustains even after sex reassignment surgery that need to be targeted with psychological and social interventions. Changing in the immature defense mechanisms could be considered as a valid indicator of physical and psychological treatments.