Curbing puberty blockers not linked to suicide increase, review finds

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An independent review has debunked claims that restricting puberty blockers at a London gender identity clinic led to a surge in suicides among young patients. 

Conducted by Professor Louis Appleby, the findings illustrate the dangers of misinformation.

Appleby, a psychiatry expert, found no evidence of a significant rise in suicides among young patients at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust after puberty blockers were restricted in 2020. 

Commissioned by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, the review counters claims made by the Good Law Project, which argued that the restriction had led to increased suicide rates.

The analysis of NHS England data from 2018-2024 revealed 12 suicides, with no statistically significant difference between the periods before and after the restriction. 

He criticised the alarmist rhetoric on social media, which he deemed “insensitive, distressing, and dangerous.” 

According to Appleby such discussions could potentially harm distressed adolescents by amplifying fears and encouraging harmful behaviours.

The Good Law Project, led by Jo Maugham, has challenged the decision to end the prescription of puberty blockers. Maugham cited information from whistleblowers from the now closed Tavistock clinic.

However, the Department of Health and Social Care maintained that the Cass Review’s findings on the weak evidence supporting puberty blockers justify the NHS’s decision to halt their routine use in under-18s. 

The DHSC noted the importance of handling public discussions on this issue with care and responsibility.

Read more over at BBC