They may also experience feelings of distress or discomfort over the traditional gender roles expected of their assigned gender.
The effects of gender dysphoria can differ from one person to the next.
For some people, these feelings of conflict may affect their self-image and behavior.
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They may also make adjustments to their physical appearance.
They often feel uncomfortable with the gender roles and gender expressions of their birth-assigned sex.
Gender dysphoria is not related to an individual’s sexual orientation.
People who experience gender dysphoria may be straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
People who feel gender dysphoria may also be gender-nonconforming or transgender.
However, it is important to recognize that not everyone who istransgenderor gender nonconforming experiences gender dysphoria.
Gender Identity vs.
Sexual Orientation
It is also important to note the distinction between gender identity and sexual identity.
Sexual orientation refers to a person’s physical, emotional, or romantic attraction to other people.
Where gender involves who you are, sexuality is about who you are attracted to.
In the previous edition of the DSM, it was known as gender identity disorder.
This was changed in 2013 to remove thestigmaassociated with calling it a disorder.
It is not uncommon for kids to exhibit gender non-conforming behaviors.
Therefore, it’s important to distinguish between typical childhood behaviors and true gender dysphoria.
Like adults, children must experience impairments in functioning or significant distress lasting a minimum of six months.
Gender Dysphoria vs.
Gender Nonconformity
It is important to note that gender dysphoria andgender nonconformityare not the same.
Gender nonconformity is not considered a mental disorder.
Genetics, hormonal influences during prenatal development, and environmental factors may be involved.
The onset of gender dysphoria is often during early childhood.
In some cases, this mismatch can lead to feelings of gender dysphoria.
In addition to counseling, treatment for gender dysphoria may involve hormones and gender reassignment surgery.
Treatment may also involve body modifications that help align a persons outward presentation with their internal gender identity.
Hormone therapy and surgery are two ways to accomplish this.
But again, treatment needs to be adapted to the needs and goals of the individual.
Some people may want to achieve a full transition to the gender with which they identify.
Surgery is expensive and usually not covered by insurance, and not everyone wants to have complete gender reassignment.
Masculinizing and feminizing hormones can sometimes help lessen or resolve feelings of gender dysphoria.
This can help the individual gain social and peer support, providing a more affirming environment.
Psychotherapeutic treatments for gender dysphoria do not attempt to change an individuals gender identification.
Instead, psychotherapy focuses on helping people feel more comfortable in their identity and expression of their gender.
Feelings of dysphoria combined with a lack of social support can often contribute to mental distress and other issues.
Research has also shown that people with gender dysphoria have ahigher risk of dying by suicidethan the general population.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Spend time exploring your identity and the ways of expressing it that feel right for you.
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