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Gender identity disorder

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

Gender identity disorder describes a conflict between a person's physical or apparent gender (sex) and that person's self-identification. For instance, a person identified as a boy may actually feel and act like a girl. This is distinct from homosexuality. Homosexuals nearly always identify with their apparent gender.

Identity issues can occur in a variety of situations and show in different ways. For example, some people with normal genitals and secondary sex characteristics (such as breasts) of one gender privately identify more with the other gender. Some may cross-dress, and some may actually seek sex-change surgery. Others are born with ambiguous genitals , which can raise identity issues (see also Intersex ).

Alternative Names:

Transsexualism

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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

• Review Date: 5/17/2006
• Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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