Gender dysphoria is a medical term described as being clinically distressed or impaired accompanyed by a strong desire to be of another gender. This may include the desire to change primary or secondary sex characteristics. Though gender dsyphoria typically begins in childhood, some may not experience the condition until after puberty, or much later in life. Additionally, not all transgender or gender diverse people experience dysphoria.[1]
Etymology
Elaborate on the origins of the name.
Diagnosis
Individuals who experience gender dysphoria receive the diganosis from a family physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. It is part of the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5} for one overarching diagnosis, with specific varying critera needing to be met by children, adolescents, and adults. One of the most significant markers for gender dysphoria diagnosis, is feeling inconsistent or discordant between an expierenced/expressed gender and the assigned gender. This feeling have been present for a minimum of six months, and be accompanied by at least two of six symptoms.[1]
For a teenager or adult:[2]
- A marked incongruence between your experienced and expressed gender and your primary or secondary sex characteristics
- Strong desire to be rid of your primary or secondary sex characteristics
- Strong desire for the primary or secondary sex characteristics of the other gender
- Strong desire to be of the other gender
- Strong desire to be treated as the other gender
- Strong conviction that you have the typical feelings and reactions of the other gender
For a child: [2]
- Strong desire to be of the other gender or an insistence that they are the other gender
- Strong preference for wearing clothes typical of the opposite gender
- Strong preference for cross-gender roles in make-believe play or fantasy play
- Strong preference for the toys, games or activities stereotypically used or engaged in by the other gender
- Strong preference for playmates of the other gender
- Strong rejection of toys, games and activities typical of their assigned gender
- Strong dislike of their sexual anatomy
- Strong desire for the physical sex characteristics that match their experienced gender
Treatment
Recognizing and treating gender dysphoria at an early stage reduces of the chances of depression, distress, and suicide for patients. A key factor in both treatment and outcomes is a supportive enviornment, freedom to express gender identity, and understanding all of the medical options.[3]
In the United States, medical treatment for gender dysphoria varies depending on the treatment plan created by a medical physician. To be diagnosed, it's best to find a doctor who specialized in gender identity disorders. A provider will review medical histories and, in some cases, perform a full psychiatric evaluation. The main goal of any treatment plan is to help combat the distress of gender dysphoria. It can range from counseling to help the patient better understand their feelings, provide support, and coping skills. Family or couple counsling is also popular to help create an understanding and supportive enviornment. In some cases, but not all, gender-affirming hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery is an option.
Before making a decision regarding surgery, a patient typically has to partake in gender-affirming hormone therapy and live as their chosen gender for a minimum of one year before the option is reconsidered. Not everyone chooses to have surgery.[3]
In the UK, a child must be diagnosed with gender dysphoria by a GP (general physician), who will then refer to to a gender dysphoria clinic (GDC). The child will be assessed by a team of specialists. This process is called the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS). While a self-referral is possible, a GP referral is prefered. Once diagonsed fully, the GDC team then makes a treatment plan. It can range from creating a feeling self-acceptance or affirmation to more significant changes such as hormone treatment and surgery. In England during 2018/19, roughly 8,000 people were referred to adult gender dysphoria services.[4]
History
Document the community's most important history, including facts such as key events, breakthroughs in improving the community's wellbeing and rights, or historical figures known to belong to the community.
Distinction
Gender dysphoria is critically different then gender expression. The former refers to a psychological sense of gender, while expression is the way in which a person presents to the world in a gendered way.
Gender dysphoria is also different then questioning of sexual orientation. Sexual orientation refers to the type of person in which on is sexually attracted too. Gender dysphoria refers to how one views their gender.[1]
Body dysmorphia is a disorder that results in someone perceiving a major flat or problem with their body, even if that perception is not based in reality. Many describe this as seeing themselves "distorted". Gender dysphoria, however, refers to not feeling as though your body reflects your true self in terms of gender.[5]
Controversy
Optional section: If this topic has been the subject of any controversies, detail them in this section. For example, it could explain outdated or disputed terms, disagreements about how this identity is defined, identity-phobic discourse around popular flags, or other conflicts.
Perceptions and discrimination
Individuals who suffer from gender dysphoria report feeling uncomfortable and are faced with prejudice from those around them. This affects mental health, sometimes leading to a feeling of immmense depression or anxiety.[4]
Additionally, people who experience gender dysphoria and are gender non-conforming are at an increased risk of exposure to stigma and discrimination. This often extends to the families of these individuals. They also have a higher chance of being bullied. Research has shown people with gender dysphoria have a higher risk of dying by suicide thean the general population. Approximately 48.3% of participants in the study experienced suicidal ideation.[6]
Media
This section should be used to elaborate on the portrayal and representation of this identity in various forms of media, which can include a listing or links to various artists or movies, series, etc. Subheadings like Film, Television, Literature, and Music should be used where appropriate.
Resources
General
- TENI's (Transgender Equality Network Ireland) 19 Ways to Help Gender Dysphoria
- Insider's 5 Ways to Handle Everyday Gender Dysphoria
- World Professional Association for Transgender Health
United States
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
United Kingdom
- Signs of gender dysphoria
- If you're feeling depressed over gender dysphoria, call NHS 111 or see a GP.
- Additionally, call Samartian for free on 116 123 to talk in confidence. Open 24/7.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "What Is Gender Dysphoria?" by Psychiatry.org on psychiatry.org
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/g/gender-dysphoria/diagnosis-and-treatment
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Mount Sinai's Library regarding Gender Dysphoria" by Mount Sinai, New York on mountsinai.org
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Gender dysphoria in the UK" by NHS.uk on nhs.uk
- ↑ https://www.talkspace.com/blog/body-dysphoria-vs-dysmorphia/
- ↑ https://www.verywellmind.com/gender-dysphoria-5085081#toc-challenges