Gender identity disorder or Gender dysphoria – everything you should know

Does your son behave like a girl with special liking towards a girl’s cosmetics or clothes? Does your daughter shows interest in things other than those that girls normally like or refuses to dress

By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | | Published: October 19, 2014 1:09 pm

Does your son behave like a girl with special liking towards a girl’s cosmetics or clothes? Does your daughter shows interest in things other than those that girls normally like or refuses to dress like a girl? If you come across such middle-aged children who are confused about their gender, then it’s time to take this issue seriously, find out what is going on in their minds and not worry about societal norms or boundaries. A condition in which a child develops strong mental identification towards the other gender, in addition to being uncomfortable in his/her skin, is known as gender identity disorder or Gender dysphoria. Here is what you should know about this condition.

What causes gender identity disorder?

Although the exact cause of gender dysphoria, a disorder that influences a person’s mannerisms and self-image, is not known, there exist some theories. These theories claim that this condition is caused due to –

Certain hormonal complications during fetal development or childhood.
Genetic abnormalities
Defects in child rearing or bonding
Combination of above three factors.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

Gender identity disorder is a rare condition that is usually evident during early childhood and occurs mostly in males as compared to females. This condition can affect children as well as adults and commonly shows symptoms such as.

Wishing to be called as the other sex and desire to behave and live as the opposite sex (it includes dressing, physical appearance, etc.)
Disliking their genitals (in case of adults they might think of undergoing surgery to get rid of them)
Rejection from their friend circle as they are mentally attached to activities related to the opposite sex.
Feeling depressed, confused and staying away from social interaction.

Can this condition be diagnosed?

Like any other conditions, gender dysphoria can be diagnosed. Based on the symptoms, psychological examination and clinical tests, a qualified mental health expert like a psychiatrist or psychologist will confirm the condition.

When diagnosed with gender dysphoria, what should be done next?

This is one of the crucial and mentally draining stages for a person with this condition, as he/she has to convince their parents or relatives to undergo treatment for it. A person with gender dysphoria is usually recommended to undergo –

Counseling therapy – Counseling the individual with gender identity disorder and their family members is the key to relieving mental agony of the person along with improving their self-esteem.
Sex-change options – There are hormonal therapies and surgical treatment options available that aim to suppress the sexual characteristics of the individual. Sex-change operation also known as gender reassignment surgery requires a person to undergo extensive evaluation and transition phase.

Are there any complications of gender dysphoria?

If left untreated or lack of proper support from the family, a person with gender dysphoria might experience emotional distress, depression and social fear. In long term, this condition might interfere with a person’s ability to perform his normal functions and to start a relationship.

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Published : October 19, 2014 1:09 pm

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