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Gender Identity Disorders

Wed Sep 2022 , Ehsaas

What is Gender Identity Disorder?

Gender dysphoria is a word that defines a feeling of discomfort caused by a contradiction among a person’s physical gender and their gender identity. This sensation of discomfort or discontent can be so strong that it can contribute to depression and anxiety, as well as having a negative influence on daily living.

What is Gender Identity?

Gender identity is our understanding of who we really are and the way we perceive and characterise ourselves. The majority of people identify as “male” or “female.” These are frequently referred to as “binary” identities. However, some people believe that their gender identity differs from their physical gender.

Some individuals, for instance, may have male genitals and growth of facial hair but do not recognise or feel masculine. Some people have female genitals and bosom but do not recognize or feel feminine.

Some individuals do not identify as having a “binary” identity. The idea of gender has no bearing on their identity. To explain their identity, they may use phrases such as agender, gender varied, or gender non-conforming. Nevertheless, as a collective, they are generally labelled “non-binary”.

Many individuals who suffer from gender dysphoria have a strong and long-lasting wish to live a life that “resembles” or displays their gender identity. They accomplish this by altering their appearance and behaviour. Rare individuals with gender dysphoria, although not all, may choose to exhibit their gender identity through hormones and, in some cases, surgeries.

Gender dysphoria is not a mental condition, although it can lead to mental health issues in certain people.

Signs and symptoms of Gender Identity Disorder

Symptoms in adolescents and adults

  • a significant discrepancy between their gender identity and their physical sex
  • a strong desire to live in or be recognised as another gender
  • a strong desire to change their given sex traits

Symptoms in Children

In children, gender dysphoria can result in:

  • a strong urge to be of a different gender
  • a dislike for their natural body a desperate tendency to wear attire of a different gender
  • a strong desire to play the other gender in fantasy play, or to have toys or games with stereotypical associations with the other gender, as opposed to rejection of toys and activities with stereotypical linkages to their own gender.

Causes of Gender Identity Disorder

The actual reasons why a person suffers gender dysphoria remain unknown. It might be caused by a complicated combination of biological, psychological, and social variables.

Possible explanations for Gender dysphoria involve:

  • being born with a sex hormone disorder prenatal exposure to hormone disrupting substances such as phthalates incorrect development of certain neurons related to gender having a mental disease such as schizophrenia
  • autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • a past of early life child maltreatment a close relative suffering from gender dysphoria

However, it is impossible to pinpoint a single cause of gender dysphoria.

Treatment of  Gender Identity Disorder

Therapy

People can use therapy to examine their emotional states. It may help some people overcome their gender dysphoria. Others may find that it confirms their desire to live in a different gender role. Therapy can also help individuals deal with problems at school, job, or in their interactions. It can alleviate melancholy and stress while also increasing self-esteem. Therapy can be done alone, as a couple, or as a community. Peer support groups are also accessible, which can assist those who are experiencing gender dysphoria interact with others who are facing similar emotions and experiences.

Modifications in gender expression

Some persons may decide that they would prefer to live part-time or full-time in another gender role. This may entail the use of a moniker and pronouns linked with that gender.

Additional ways an individual might modify their gender expression are as follows:

  • undergoing voice treatment to hone distinct vocal qualities
  • hair removal or hair transplantation
  • genital tucking or packing
  • breast binding or cushioning
  • putting on makeup and styling hair

Medical Approaches

Some persons may choose to take further efforts to assist them in living in a different gender role. Among these stages are:

  • Hormone treatment to aid in the development of various traits, such as facial hair
  • surgeries to add or remove breasts or make genital alterations

Self-care and Coping

People who experience gender dysphoria are at a higher risk of developing other mental health issues, so they must practise good self-care and take care of their physical and mental health. The following pointers may be useful:

  • consuming a nutritious diet
  • getting proper sleep, and exercising frequently
  • employing stress-management strategies such as yoga and meditation, and interacting with other helpful people, such as family, colleagues, or other people who experience gender dysphoria
  • If required, consult with a mental health professional.
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