Gender identity disorder

Gender identity disorder (GID), also known as gender dysphoria, is a condition where a person experiences discomfort or distress because there's a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity. It's sometimes known as gender incongruence.

Definition

Gender identity disorder is a conflict between a person's physical or assigned gender and the gender with which he/she/they identify. People with gender identity disorder may be described as being uncomfortable in their own body, particularly in relation to their physical sexual characteristics.

Symptoms

People with gender identity disorder may often experience a strong desire to be of the other gender or an insistence that they are of the other gender. This condition can cause significant distress, leading to problems in functioning at work, school, social interactions or other areas of life.

Causes

The exact cause of gender identity disorder is not known, but it is believed to be a complex interplay of biological, psychological and environmental factors. Some research suggests that it may have a genetic component.

Treatment

Treatment for gender identity disorder may involve psychotherapy, hormone therapy or surgery. The goal of treatment is to help people with gender identity disorder live as the gender they identify with.

See also

• Gender dysphoria
• Transgender
• Gender nonconforming
• Hormone therapy
• Sex reassignment surgery

External links

• Mayo Clinic - Gender Dysphoria
• NHS - Gender Dysphoria

Gender identity disorder Resources
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