Gender Identity Disorder
(Diseases)
This topic will help you learn about the topic of gender identity disorder.
What is gender identity disorder?
- It is a psychological feeling of discomfort or distress that arises when a person’s gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. It is not merely a preference for the other sex, but a deeply rooted contradiction that can cause significant distress and affect daily life.
- What are the symptoms of gender identity disorder?
- A strong and persistent desire to have the physical characteristics of the other sex or to be treated as the other sex.
- Feeling distressed about the physical traits associated with sex, such as the genitals or body features, and a desire to remove them or prevent their appearance because they do not align with how the person feels about their gender identity.
Feelings of anxiety or depression, or other changes in behavior.
Difficulties in relationships and social rejection.
- What are the causes of gender identity disorder?
The exact causes of gender identity disorder are not fully understood, but they are believed to be a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
- Biological factors:
Some research suggests that genetics, hormonal influences during development and before birth, and differences in brain structure may play a role.
- Psychological factors:
Psychological experiences and traumas, and mental health conditions can also contribute to gender identity disorder.
Environmental factors:
Societal attitudes and expectations related to gender can also affect a person’s experience.
1What are the methods of diagnosing gender identity disorder?
- Diagnosing gender identity disorder requires a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a mental health professional and usually includes the following:
- 1. Clinical psychological assessment:
- Conducting psychological interviews with the person to explore:
- The extent of distress or discomfort regarding the gender identity assigned at birth.
- The desire to live as or be recognized with a gender identity different from the biological sex.
2The duration and intensity of these feelings, which usually must persist for no less than 6 months.DSM-5:
DSM-5Assessing overall mental health to detect the presence of other accompanying disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or personality disorders.
2. Diagnostic criteria according to the DSM-5:
- DSM-5 is a diagnostic manual used by doctors and mental health specialists to identify and diagnose mental and psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, autism, schizophrenia, and others. It is conducted by specialists only, not by the patient themselves, because diagnosis requires scientific knowledge and clinical expertise.
- The presence of a clear incongruence between the self-identified gender and the biological sex at birth.
3A strong desire to get rid of primary and secondary sexual characteristics, or to acquire the characteristics of the other sex.
- A feeling of psychological distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning as a result of this incongruence.
- 3. Evaluation of personal and family history:
- Reviewing the development of gender identity since childhood.
Determining the level of available family and social support.
Exploring previous experiences related to gender, such as wearing the clothes of the other sex during childhood.
- What are the methods of treating gender identity disorder?
- One of the most important therapeutic approaches used to address gender identity disorder in our Gulf community is talk psychotherapy, which aims to help the person understand their feelings and accept their gender identity in a healthy and balanced manner. This is done through:
- Interactive psychotherapy sessions provided by certified psychologists, where the person is helped to explore their feelings and accept their identity within a framework that respects cultural and religious values.
- Enhancing mental health: by providing specialized psychological support that respects the privacy of the social and cultural environment, aiming to reduce anxiety and depression associated with incongruence.
Family and close support: by educating the family and community members about the importance of support and understanding while ensuring respect for prevailing customs and traditions.
1Medical follow-up: providing careful medical follow-up for cases that require medical intervention within licensed health facilities, ensuring privacy and confidentiality.
- What are the complications of gender identity disorder?
1. Psychological and emotional problems:
Increased likelihood of depression and anxiety due to feelings of isolation and lack of acceptance.
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, especially when repeatedly attempting to change body shape to align with gender identity.
Self-harm and suicidal thoughts: rates of self-harm and suicidal tendencies increase, especially among adolescents and adults who do not receive support.
2. Social problems and isolation:
Discrimination and social stigma, such as exposure to bullying, harassment, or violence due to gender identity.
Difficulty at work or in education due to discrimination.
Family isolation: Some families refuse to accept the person’s gender identity, leading to being expelled from the home or losing emotional support.
Prevention of gender identity disorder?
- So far, there are no known or scientifically proven ways to prevent gender identity disorder, because its causes and origins are not yet fully understood. The approach focuses on providing psychological and social support to affected individuals to help them adapt and improve their quality of life.
- When should you see a doctor?
- When experiencing ongoing distress due to incongruence between biological sex and gender identity.
The presence of suicidal thoughts or self-harm due to identity-related conflict.
- 1Facing difficulties in daily life (work, relationships, mental health) because of gender identity.
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