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Gender identity disorder is a conflict between a person's actual physical gender and the gender that person identifies himself or herself as. For example, a person identified as a boy may actually feel and act like a girl. The person experiences significant discomfort with the biological sex they were born.
See also: Intersex
Alternative NamesTranssexualism
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsPeople with gender identity disorder may act and present themselves as members of the opposite sex. The disorder may affect:
- Choice of sexual partners
- Display of feminine or masculine mannerisms, behavior, and dress
- Self-concept
Gender identity disorder is not the same as homosexuality.
Identity conflicts can occur in many situations and appear in different ways. For example, some people with normal genitalia and sexual characteristics (such as breasts) of one gender privately identify more with the other gender.
Some people may cross-dress, and some may seek sex-change surgery. Others are born with ambiguous genitalia, which can raise questions about their gender.
The cause is unknown, but hormones in the womb, genes, and environmental factors (such as parenting) may be involved. This rare disorder may occur in children or adults.
SymptomsSymptoms can vary by age, and are affected by the person's social environment. They may include the following:
Children:
- Are disgusted by their own genitals
- Are rejected by their peers, feel alone
- Believe that they will grow up to become the opposite sex
- Have depressionor anxiety
- Say that they want to be the opposite sex
Adults:
- Dress like the opposite sex
- Feel alone
- Have depression or anxiety
- Want to live as a person of the opposite sex
- Wish to be rid of their own genitals
Either adults or children:
- Cross-dress, show habits typical of the opposite sex
- Withdraw from social interaction
The feeling of being in the body of the "wrong" gender must last for at least 2 years for this diagnosis to be made. A history and psychiatric evaluation can confirm the person's constant desire to be the opposite sex. The person's partner choices may be same sex or opposite sex.
TreatmentIndividual and family therapy is recommended for children. Individual and, if appropriate, couples therapy is recommended for adults. Sex reassignment through surgery and hormonal therapy is an option, but identity problems may continue after this treatment.
Expectations (prognosis)Diagnosing and treating this disorder early can lead to a better outcome.
Complications- Depression or anxiety
- Emotional distress
- Feeling alone
- Poor self-concept
Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder and want help, especially with anxiety and depression.
ReferencesShafer LC. Sexual disorders and sexual dysfunction. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, Biederman J, Rauch SL, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 36.
Peralta L. Gender identity disorder. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 13.2.
Moller B, Schreier H, Li A, Romer G. Gender identity disorder in children and adolescents. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2009;39:117-143.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoGender identity disorder is a conflict between a person's actual physical gender and the gender that person identifies himself or herself as. For example, a person identified as a boy may actually feel and act like a girl. The person experiences significant discomfort with the biological sex they were born.
See also: Intersex
Alternative NamesTranssexualism
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsPeople with gender identity disorder may act and present themselves as members of the opposite sex. The disorder may affect:
- Choice of sexual partners
- Display of feminine or masculine mannerisms, behavior, and dress
- Self-concept
Gender identity disorder is not the same as homosexuality.
Identity conflicts can occur in many situations and appear in different ways. For example, some people with normal genitalia and sexual characteristics (such as breasts) of one gender privately identify more with the other gender.
Some people may cross-dress, and some may seek sex-change surgery. Others are born with ambiguous genitalia, which can raise questions about their gender.
The cause is unknown, but hormones in the womb, genes, and environmental factors (such as parenting) may be involved. This rare disorder may occur in children or adults.
SymptomsSymptoms can vary by age, and are affected by the person's social environment. They may include the following:
Children:
- Are disgusted by their own genitals
- Are rejected by their peers, feel alone
- Believe that they will grow up to become the opposite sex
- Have depressionor anxiety
- Say that they want to be the opposite sex
Adults:
- Dress like the opposite sex
- Feel alone
- Have depression or anxiety
- Want to live as a person of the opposite sex
- Wish to be rid of their own genitals
Either adults or children:
- Cross-dress, show habits typical of the opposite sex
- Withdraw from social interaction
The feeling of being in the body of the "wrong" gender must last for at least 2 years for this diagnosis to be made. A history and psychiatric evaluation can confirm the person's constant desire to be the opposite sex. The person's partner choices may be same sex or opposite sex.
TreatmentIndividual and family therapy is recommended for children. Individual and, if appropriate, couples therapy is recommended for adults. Sex reassignment through surgery and hormonal therapy is an option, but identity problems may continue after this treatment.
Expectations (prognosis)Diagnosing and treating this disorder early can lead to a better outcome.
Complications- Depression or anxiety
- Emotional distress
- Feeling alone
- Poor self-concept
Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder and want help, especially with anxiety and depression.
ReferencesShafer LC. Sexual disorders and sexual dysfunction. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, Biederman J, Rauch SL, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 36.
Peralta L. Gender identity disorder. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 13.2.
Moller B, Schreier H, Li A, Romer G. Gender identity disorder in children and adolescents. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2009;39:117-143.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 02/18/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Michelle Benger Merrill, MD, Instructor in Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What are the three aspects of sexual self-definition?
Gender Identity, Gender Role, and Sexual Orientation
The psychological sense of being male or female is called?
The scientific term is one's sexual identity.
What do you call a girl that wants to be a boy?
A girl who identifies as a boy may use terms like transgender or a trans boy to describe their gender identity. It is important to respect their preferred gender identity and use the appropriate pronouns they choose.
What are the central issues associated with biological psychology in the context of human development and psychological function Which one of these do you feel is the most important Why?
Gender identity and heredity are two central issues associated with biological psychology in the context of human development and psychological function. Gender identity may be more important since it can help people who do not feel comfortable with their gender.
How do you tell if somebody is transsexual?
You cannot determine if someone is transgender just by looking at them. It is important to respect a person's gender identity regardless of their appearance. If someone chooses to share their gender identity with you, it is important to be supportive and respectful.
What disorder did serial killer Buffalo Bill have?
In addition to be a murderous insane person, he clearly dealt with Gender Identity Disorder.
How do you get a sexchange?
First, you need to be eligible. You need to see a gender therapist and be diagnosed with Gender Disphoria (Gender Identity Disorder). After that, your therapist is your key to hormones and surgery.
Why are some boys femanine?
Sometimes people suffer from Gender Identity Disorder. And maybe they're gay.
Do animals suffer from gender identity disorder?
No. This is a mental disorder and animals do not operate on a sufficiently high enough level cognitively or intellectually to be plagued with such. EDIT: GID is not a mental disorder.
If you are a guy and think you are too hairy and not secure about your body hair but do have not had other symptoms do you have gender identity disorder?
No, you just are insecure about your body hair.
What is gender dysfunction?
Gender dysfunction is not a commonly recognized term. It is possible that it refers to difficulties or challenges related to gender identity or expression that can lead to distress or impairment in daily functioning. It is important for individuals experiencing gender-related issues to seek support from mental health professionals or medical providers for proper evaluation and treatment.
What is my gender identity?
I can't determine your gender identity as it is personal and unique to you. It's important to explore your feelings and thoughts around gender to better understand and define your identity. It may be helpful to seek support from a therapist or counselor who has experience working with gender identity.
A persons sense of being male or female is his or her gender?
gender identity
Is there any treatment for transgender people?
No. Transgender is neither a disease nor a physical condition. There is a diagnosis that might be applied called "Gender Identity Disorder" or GID. Generally those with GID are persons awaiting Gender Reassignment Surgery. Neither is being transgendered a sin or even "wrong"; a person's self-perception (including sexual/gender identity) is never what we see, it is deeper than flesh and bone.
What is the significance of gender and identity in the art world?
what is the significance of gender in childhood what is the significance of gender in childhood
What does gender identity crisis mean?
A gender identity crisis occurs when an individual experiences uncertainty or distress about their gender identity, where they may question or struggle to understand their own sense of gender. This can involve feelings of confusion, discomfort, and a disconnect between one's assigned gender at birth and their internal sense of self. People in this situation may seek support, therapy, or exploration to better understand and come to terms with their gender identity.
What are the biological determinants of gender identity?
There is no quantifiable evidence of any biological determinants in the development of gender identity, only speculation and hypothesis.
