Gender Dysphoria

Chloë Hill

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Gender dysphoria is a state of intense psychological distress.

It is caused by the disconnect between one's gender identity and one's sex.

Dysphoria in the DSM-5*

The American Psychiatric Association recognizes gender dysphoria as a diagnosable and treatable condition.

To be diagnosed with dysphoria, adults must possess at least two of the following symptoms:

  • A marked incongruence between one’s experienced/expressed gender and primary and/or secondary sex characteristics

  • A strong desire to be rid of one’s primary and/or secondary sex characteristics because of a marked incongruence with one’s experienced/expressed gender

  • A strong desire for the primary and/or secondary sex characteristics of the other gender

  • A strong desire to be of the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one’s assigned gender)

  • A strong desire to be treated as the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one’s assigned gender)

  • A strong conviction that one has the typical feelings and reactions of the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one’s assigned gender)


Further Reading:


*The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition
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Treatments for Dysphoria

Therapy/Counseling

Dysphoria can lead to other psychological problems like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Mental health professionals can help treat these in addition to dysphoria. There are even specific gender therapists who specialize in treating trans patients.

Medical Transition

Includes hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirming surgeries.

Social Transition

Name, pronouns, new gender marker on paperwork, gender expression

Do You Need Dysphoria to Be Trans?

No. The DSM-5 itself states that only some trans people experience dysphoria.

Additionally:

  • While dysphoria is a diagnosis, being trans is not

  • Not all people who medically transition will be dysphoric

  • Not every dysphoric person will medically transition