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Alternative names Return to top
TranssexualismDefinition Return to top
Gender identity disorder describes a conflict between a person's physical or apparent gender and that person's self-identification. For instance, a person identified as a boy may actually feel and act like a girl. This is distinct from homosexuality in that homosexuals nearly always identify with their apparent sex or gender.
Identity issues may occur in a variety of scenarios and manifest in different ways. For example, some people with normal genitals and secondary sex characteristics of one gender privately identify more with the other gender. Some may cross-dress, and some may actually seek sex-change surgery. Others are born with ambiguous genitalia, which can raise identity issues.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
People with gender identity disorder may act and present themselves as members of the opposite sex. The disorder may affect self-concept, choice of sexual partners, and the display of femininity or masculinity through mannerisms, behavior, and dress.
The feeling of being in the body of the "wrong" gender must persist for at least 2 years for this diagnosis to be made. The cause is unknown, but hormonal influences in the womb, genetics, and environmental factors (such as parenting) are suspected to be involved. The disorder may occur in children or adults, and is rare.
Symptoms Return to top
Children:
Adults:
Either adults or children:
Signs and tests Return to top
A history and psychiatric evaluation confirms the persistent desire to be the opposite sex. The person's partner choices may be same-sex or opposite sex.
Treatment Return to top
Individual and family counseling is recommended for children, and individual or couples therapy is recommended for adults. Sex reassignment through surgery and hormonal therapy is an option, but identity problems may persist after this form of treatment.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
A better outcome is associated with the early diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Make an appointment with your health care provider if you observe the symptoms of this disorder and desire help, especially with anxiety and depression.
Update Date: 5/4/2004 Updated by: Ram Chandran Kalyanam, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |