Transsexualism: a standardized psychosocial rating format for the evaluation of results of sex reassignment surgery.

A follow-up rating format for the postsurgical evaluation of sex reassignment was designed from the existing literature and a follow-up study in progress. The format assesses areas of interpersonal relationship psychopathology, legal problems, sexual adjustment and acceptance, family acceptance of the change, and employment patterns. The format was then tested for reliability and validity through the follow-up of 17 biological male transsexuals an average 8.2 years after surgery. Reliability between two judges was 0.9, and there was a significant correlation of the overall ranking with MMPI testing (p less than 0.01). The format can be used both for an overall ranking of the study groups and as indication of specific pre- and postsurgery changes.