Understanding Risk of Chronic Pain Development and Related Mental Health Disparities Among Transgender People: A Review of Current Literature and Future Directions

Biomedical and clinical research has traditionally focused on binary sex assignments as opposed to gender identity. This oversight has resulted in other gender minority populations being understudied. As a result, there is limited literature on chronic pain and mental health in transgender populations. These socially vulnerable individuals may be at increased risk for chronic pain development and related mental health disorders. Transgender individuals experience higher rates of social stigma and discrimination than their cisgender counterparts, and these factors have been linked to an increased prevalence of chronic pain, depression, and stress. Beyond chronic pain and mental health research, large overall health disparities and differences exist for transgender people compared with their cisgender peers. Therefore, it is crucial to include transgender individuals, as well as other gender minority people, in research in order to fully understand the impact of gender minority status on pain and quality of life. Perspective: This review explores the intersectional impact of stress and mental health on chronic pain development and the unequal risk for transgender individuals. Promoting inclusion of gender minority individuals in research is a critical step to understanding the factors contributing to minority stress.