Health
Gender dysphoria and eating disorders have skyrocketed since pandemic, report reveals: ‘Ripple effects’
Mental health diagnoses in children have skyrocketed since the COVID pandemic — led by gender dysphoria and eating disorders, according to a new report.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions analyzed medical claims data submitted between 2019 and 2023 for patients under age 18.
Overall, mental health claims rose 83% among young people in that time frame.
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By comparison, gender identity-related diagnoses spiked 133% and eating disorders rose 108%.
Phobic disorders also increased by 77%, as did claims for developmental disorders.
Mental health diagnoses in children have skyrocketed since the pandemic — led by gender dysphoria and eating disorders, according to a new report. (iStock)
“Americans are in the midst of a mental health crisis, which lingered well before and was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the researchers wrote in the report.
“The initial trauma and continued ripple effects from the pandemic are still negatively impacting Americans’ mental health, particularly teens and young adults.”
Why the spike in gender dysphoria?
Multiple factors have led to the sharp uptick in gender dysphoria, according to Abbey Jo Schrage, a licensed psychotherapist who runs her own practice in Idaho and provides virtual mental health services.
“The first is the simple fact of awareness of gender identity issues,” she told Fox News Digital.
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“Youth have newfound, and constant, access to information and language regarding issues such as gender identity via countless apps and websites.”
She added, “Another factor is the increasing cultural and social acceptance of expressions regarding gender identity.”
One licensed clinical social worker attributes the spike in cases to three factors: awareness, normalization and increased acceptance. (iStock)
Jonathan Levine, a licensed clinical social worker who works with Equip in Pennsylvania, attributes the spike in cases to three factors: awareness, normalization and increased acceptance.
“As it has become more normal to explore gender as a construct in society, people have become more comfortable exploring their own gender as individuals,” he told Fox News Digital.
“The initial trauma and continued ripple effects from the pandemic are still negatively impacting Americans’ mental health, particularly teens and young adults.”
“Kids and adolescents naturally have a curiosity about themselves, and so much of childhood is exploring who you are and your values … It’s natural for young adults to be curious about their own identity, and it’s safer for the youth to explore their own than it has been in the past.”
Parents and communities can support children by listening to them without judgment or arguing, according to Schrage.
A supportive family can be life-saving for young people with gender dysphoria, an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
They should also “appropriately filter content” for their children’s age level, she added.
“What a child is exposed to must be developmentally appropriate and not usher in premature confusion,” Schrage warned.
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Adam Mariano, a Philadelphia-based president and general manager of health care for LexisNexis Risk Solutions, suggests providing “safe spaces” for youth to engage, ask questions and share information.
“Providing clear, age-appropriate information and context will ensure that children are not isolated and made to feel fearful,” he told Fox News Digital.
Mental health claims among children rose 83% between 2019 and 2023. (iStock)
A supportive family can be life-saving for youth with gender dysphoria, according to Levine.
“A strong and affirming family support system has been demonstrated to decrease suicidality in TGE youth by up to 82% and suicide attempts from 57% to 4%,” he said.
Why the spike in eating disorders?
Exposure to “idealized and altered bodies” alongside methods of achieving these unrealistic physical features is at an all-time high, Schrage noted.
“Many of my youth patients report spending between four and six hours per day of scrolling and comparing themselves to others each day,” she told Fox News Digital.
There was a sharp increase in eating disorders during the pandemic, according to Levine.
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“While there is no one reason why people develop an eating disorder, a common theme for many is a desire to feel control,” he said.
“The pandemic made so many people feel alone, isolated and unable to control their surroundings, all of which led to a ton of mental health woes, eating disorders included.”
Social media also plays a role in normalizing one type of body for all people, Levine noted.
Social media plays a role in normalizing one type of body for all people, according to mental health experts. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)
“The constant onslaught of messaging around beauty standards, body ideals, diet culture and a chaotic world are all factors that contribute to an increase in eating disorders among youth.”
To help young people who are struggling with eating disorders, Schrage said parents and the community should set appropriate limits on time and exposure to unrealistic images and media.
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“Parents should also prioritize meals together, model healthy eating behaviors and verbalize their own sense of self,” she advised.
“Furthermore, giving their children feedback on internal qualities — such as their character and personality — more than outward physical and performance markers helps them develop a balanced, realistic sense of self.”
Parents and communities can support children by listening to them without judgment or arguing, according to one expert. (iStock)
Parents and family members should also watch out for warning signs, Levine said, such as increased exercise, dieting, avoidance of certain food groups and an increased focus on body image.
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“Normalize an ‘all foods fit’ dietary lifestyle, where every food is safe to eat, and there are no such things as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods,” he advised.
“Focusing on supporting youth in creating an expansive life that is bigger than what their body looks like is important.”
The American Humane announced the winning dog for its annual Hero Dog Award — and the working pet has a unique story.
The Hero Dog Awards announced the finalists for the award as a way to shed light on these remarkable animals’ efforts in a variety of areas.
The organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1877 and is the country’s first national humane organization committed to animals.
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The annual nationwide competition identifies America’s top dogs in five key categories: military dogs; law enforcement and first responder dogs; service and guide or hearing dogs; therapy dogs; and emerging hero and shelter dogs.
Beginning in April, hundreds of dog owners across the country submitted the names of their pets for consideration for “Hero Dog.”
Bo is a 18-month-old bloodhound who works with the Gastonia Police Department in North Carolina. (American Humane)
This year, the winner of the Hero Dog Award is Bo, a law enforcement and first responder dog.
He’s an 18-month-old bloodhound male from Gastonia, North Carolina, who works with the Gastonia Police Department.
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Though still young, Bo has been saving lives and solving crimes since he was just eight months old, according to the American Humane.
He started his career in law enforcement in 2023 after the police department handpicked him from a litter of puppies — and Bo went home with Sgt. David Rowland for further training.
Bo and Sgt. David Rowland, pictured, have been partners since Bo was a puppy. (American Humane)
After training the dog and working on bonding, Rowland said his family took a keen liking to the dog.
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The American Humane noted that a bloodhound breed was new for the Gastonia Police Department, as it’s only ever had German shepherds and other classic law enforcement breeds prior to this.
Bo is known for his unique personality. He’s easily frightened by Halloween decorations — but has been called a gentle giant.
Bo as a puppy. He was handpicked as a young dog for his current role. (American Humane)
Bo is able to approach and comfort the people he tracks down — making him a secret weapon for the department.
Since he began working, Bo has tracked down a missing 11-year-old child with autism, plus a 7-year-old kidnapping victim — and he’s found many lost senior citizens as well.
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Rowland told Fox News Digital that honoring Bo with the Hero Dog Award “means everything” to him and the Gastonia Police Department.
Bo of North Carolina was named the 2024 Hero Dog by American Humane for his outstanding work in the community. (American Humane)
“All the hard work we’ve put in together pays off every time he brings a missing loved one back into the arms of their family,” he said.
He added, “This national recognition for Bo will surely bring comfort to the community we serve, showing them that Bo’s skills are here to help — whether it’s reuniting families or delivering justice to victims.”
American Humane president and CEO Robin Ganzert, PhD, told Fox News Digital that Bo “has accomplished more in his young life than many do in their entire careers.”
American Humane announced the Hero Dog Award for 2024. The honor has gone to a law enforcement dog who makes a difference in his community. (American Humane)
“Bo goes above and beyond to track down missing people and offer them love, comfort and kisses during their time of need,” she added.
The finalist dogs from each category will be honored at a gala in Palm Beach, Florida, in November — where the animals will walk, sniff and run down a red carpet.
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Donald Trump’s re-election to the presidency has put his health and stamina into focus.
While past presidents have appeared to age quickly during their administrations, experts say Trump maintains high levels of energy and vitality eight years after he was first elected president.
From his nomination in mid-March 2024 until the election on Nov. 5, Trump presided over at least 120 rallies, town halls and campaign events.
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“The fact that he attended 120 events in 7 months — often multiple rallies in a single day in different states — is proof-positive that Trump has a tremendous amount of stamina, mentally and physically,” Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity expert, told Fox News Digital.
As of last November, Trump’s overall health was “excellent,” according to a letter penned by his personal physician, which the president-elect posted on his Truth Social account.
Donald Trump’s re-election as president this week has put his health and stamina into focus. (Getty Images)
In the letter, Dr. Bruce Aronwold of New Jersey’s Morristown Medical Center wrote that Trump’s physical exams were “well within the normal range” and that his cognitive exams were “exceptional.”
The doctor added that with continued preventative monitoring and maintenance, “he will continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle for years to come.”
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The president-elect also spoke about his health during an Oct. 26 appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast.
“How are you so healthy?” Rogan asked Trump directly.
Donald Trump is pictured in 2016 (left) and in 2024 (right). As of last November, the president-elect’s overall health was deemed “excellent,” according to a letter penned by his personal physician. (David Hume Kennerly/James Devaney; GC Images/Getty Images)
Trump attributed his good health to “genetics,” he said, noting that his parents were also healthy.
The president-elect also acknowledged that his love of golf has helped boost his health and stamina — particularly the “good, fresh air” that comes with being outside, along with the mental stimulation of focusing on the game.
Lifestyle vs. genetics
Osborn said he finds it “fascinating” to look at Trump’s aging process through the lens of genetics and lifestyle.
“It’s well-established that both factors contribute to how we age, with research suggesting that about 75% of aging is driven by lifestyle and environment, and 25% by genetics,” Osborn, who has not treated or examined Trump, told Fox News Digital.
“Research suggests that about 75% of aging is driven by lifestyle and environment, and 25% by genetics.”
“This balance highlights the power of lifestyle choices, even for those with potential genetic advantages.”
While Trump has been open about partaking of fast food and soda, he has said that he doesn’t smoke or drink alcohol.
“Avoiding alcohol and tobacco — major contributors to various health issues — likely benefits his cardiovascular and cognitive health,” Osborn noted.
President-elect Donald Trump is pictured at an election night watch party on Wednesday, Nov. 6, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (AP/Alex Brandon)
The doctor reiterated that the president-elect’s golf outings provide regular outdoor exercise, which is essential for heart and muscle health as he ages.
Beyond the avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, Osborn attributes Trump’s health and stamina to his high level of social interaction.
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“He maintains close relationships with family and friends and keeps up a packed, demanding schedule,” Osborn noted.
“Social engagement and mental stimulation are strongly associated with lower dementia risks, and Trump’s rigorous daily routine likely supports his cognitive health.”
Power of the mind
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, said that the president-elect has a high level of cognitive health.
“I’ve never examined him, but I interviewed him twice previously and found him to be very engaged and cognitively advanced,” Siegel told Fox News Digital, adding that Trump has taken “several” cognitive tests.
Barack Obama is pictured in 2008 (left) and at the end of his term in 2016 (right). While past presidents have appeared to age quickly during their administrations, experts say Trump maintains high levels of energy and vitality eight years after he was first elected to the White House. (Ralf-Finn Hestoft/Corbis/Samuel Corum; Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
“I spoke several times to his physician during the first term, Sean Conley, who said he was very fit mentally and physically,” Siegel said.
“Many people who know him well tell me that.”
The doctor also noted that Trump has “spoken extemporaneously many times without a script or teleprompter, which is advanced.”
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Osborn echoed that, noting that Trump fielded questions without preparation, which was “sound testimony to his high level of cognitive function and mental fortitude.”
In response to any claims of the president-elect’s cognitive decline, Osborn called them “unfounded.”
“Trump’s cognitive function rivals that of much younger individuals, and his stamina is evident in his ability to manage a high-energy schedule.”
“Trump’s cognitive function rivals that of much younger individuals, and his stamina is evident in his ability to manage a high-energy schedule — think five rallies in five states in a single day!”
Osborn added, “These feats are a testament to his mental and physical resilience, demonstrating that age can truly be just a number.”
‘Strong sense of self’
Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist in Manhattan, said that Trump’s “strong sense of self” could also contribute to his stamina. (He has not examined him.)
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