Being male or female -- is a essential element of the core make up of an individual's personality and sense of self. Gender Identity Disorder is a condition in which a male or female feels a strong identification with theopposite sex. A person with this disorder often experiences profound discomfort with his or her actual anatomical gender.
People with Gender Identity Disorder seek to present themselves as members of the opposite sex and have a strong desire to alter their bodies. The disorder affects an individual's self-image, and can impact the person's mannerisms, behavior, and dress. Individuals who are committed to altering their physical appearance and genitalia through cosmetics, hormones and surgery are known as transsexuals.
What Causes Gender Identity Disorder? The exact cause of gender identity disorder is not known, but several theories exist. These theories suggest that the disorder may be caused by genetic (chromosomal) abnormalities, hormone imbalances during fetal and childhood development, irregularities in the hypothalymic region of the brain, defects in normal human bonding and child rearing, or a combination of any or all of these these factors.
How Common Is Gender Identity Disorder? Gender identity disorder is a rare disorder that affects children and adults. It can be evident in early childhood. In fact, most people recognize that they have a gender identity problem before they reach adolescence. The disorder occurs far more often in males than in females. What Are the Symptoms of Gender Identity Disorder? Children with gender identity disorder often display the following symptoms: *Expressed desire to be the opposite sex (including passing oneself off asthe opposite sex and calling oneself by an opposite sex name). *Disgust with their own genitals (Boys may pretend not to have a penis.Girls may fear growing breasts and menstruating and may refuse to sit when urinating. They also may bind their breasts to make them less noticeable). *Belief that they will grow up to become the opposite sex. *Rejection by their peer groups. *Dressing and behaving in a manner typical of the opposite sex (for example,a female wearing boy's underwear). *Withdrawal from social interaction and activity. *Feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety.
Adults with gender identity disorder often display the following symptoms: *Desire to live as a person of the opposite sex. *Desire to be rid of their own genitals. *Dressing and behaving in a manner typical of the opposite sex. *Withdrawal from social interaction and activity. *Feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety.
How Is Gender Identity Disorder Diagnosed? Gender Identity Disorder is typically diagnosed by a trained mental health professional (psychiatrist or psychologist). A thorough medical history and psychological examination are performed to rule out other possible causes of the presenting symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or psychosis. Gender Identity Disorder is diagnosed when a thorough evaluation confirms the persistent desire to be the opposite sex.
How Is Gender Identity Disorder Treated? Individual and family counseling usually is recommended to treat children with Gender Identity Disorder. Counseling focuses on treating the associated problems of depression and anxiety and on improving self-esteem. Therapy also aims at helping the individual function as well as possible within the person's biological gender. Counseling is recommended for adults, as is involvement in a support group. Adult transsexuals undergo hormone and surgical treatments to alter their biological sex characteristics to those of the opposite sex.
The surgical alteration of a person's sex is called Gender Reassignment Surgery, or GRS oreven SRS (sometimes referred to as a "sex change"operation). Because this surgery is major and irreversible, candidates for surgery must undergo an extensive evaluation and transition period.
What Are the Complications of Gender Identity Disorder? If left untreated, the disorder can cause a poor self-image,social isolation, emotional distress, severe depression and anxiety, even suicide. The disorder can interfere with an individual's ability to function, leading to problems in school or work, or with developing relationships.
