Gender Dysphoria

What is Gender Dysphoria?

Gender Dysphoria, formerly referred to as Gender Identity Disorder, is when you have strong and persistent feelings of identification with the opposite gender, and discomfort with your assigned sex. This disconnection between your sex and your gender identity can cause significant distress and impairment in your everyday life.

Gender Dysphoria can manifest in different ways. Some people may adopt the mannerisms and dress of the opposite gender, while others may seek hormone treatment or surgery to make their bodies congruent with their gender identities.

Mental Health Challenges

People with gender dysphoria may struggle with a variety of mental health challenges as a result of the disconnection between their assigned sex and gender identity. These include:

• Social isolation; by choice or peer ostracization
• Low self-esteem
• Depressive symptoms
• Anxiety
• Substance-related disorders
• Suicide

The disturbance can be extremely pervasive in one’s life, and lead to one’s focus and energy being placed solely on lessening the gender distress. This preoccupation can impair relationships with one’s support system, and/or can lead to decisions that put one’s health and wellbeing further at risk.

Treatment

If you are, or suspect that you may be, experiencing the mental health challenges associated with gender dysphoria, a mental health professional can help.

Dalton Associates can connect with you with a mental health professional that is a personal fit for you, and has experience in supporting your unique challenges. Please contact us for more information.

Sources

American Psychological Association. (2016). Answers to your questions about transgender people, gender identity, and gender expression.
Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/transgender.aspx

Psychology Today. (2015). Gender dysphoria.
Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/gender-dysphoria