2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Male and female reproductive systems
Male and female reproductive systems

Gender identity disorder
Definition:

Gender identity disorder is a persistent feelings that your body is a different gender than your mind. It is a sense of inappropriateness of one's anatomic sex.

Boys with gender identity disorder see themselves as girls and vice versa. This is distinct from homosexuality -- people with gender identity disorder may be attracted to the same or the opposite sex, but they feel that their own biological sex is "wrong" and doesn't represent their true gender identity.
Alternative Names:
Transsexualism

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

People with gender identity disorder act and present themselves as members of the opposite sex. The disorder affects 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:

Children:

  • express the desire to be the opposite sex
  • have disgust with their own genitals
  • believe that they will grow up to become the opposite sex
  • are rejected by their peer group, feel isolated
  • have depression
  • have anxiety

Adults:

  • desire to live as a person of the opposite sex
  • wish to be rid of their own genitals
  • dress in a way that is typical of the opposite sex
  • have depression
  • feel isolated
  • have anxiety

Either adults or children:

  • withdrawal from social interaction
  • cross-dressing, clothing habits are typical of the opposite sex
Signs and tests:

A history and psychological examination confirms the persistent desire to be the opposite sex. The person's partner choices may be same-sex or opposite sex.

Treatment:

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 often severe problems persist after this form of treatment.
Expectations (prognosis):

A better outcome is associated with the early diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:

Make an appointment with your health care provider if you observe the symptoms of this disorder and desire help, especially with anxiety and depression.
Review Date: 6/2/2002
Reviewed By: Yvette Cruz, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com