Gender dysphoria is a feeling of extreme discomfort or unhappiness with one’s physical sex. It is considered a symptom of a gender identity disorder. It manifests, often in early childhood, as a wish to be, or a feeling that one is of the opposite sex. A boy may engage in typically feminine behavior, such as playing with dolls or dressing in feminine clothing. A girl may wish to have her hair cut short, engage in rough-and-tumble play and generally displays tomboyish behavior. If the feeling of having the wrong physical sex persists, a transgender teen may feel disgust with his or her body as they begin to develop sexually.
Many in the transgender community dispute the notion that non-conformity with traditionally accepted gender roles is a sign of a mental disorder. Many children grow out of gender dysphoria, and come to feel comfortable with their gender, but are identified as homosexuals. Some teens try desperately to fit in with their socially defined gender roles. This may cause them great emotional distress. Those who object to the idea of a gender identity disorder point out, particularly in the case of a transgender teen who may be exploring his or her sexual identity, the idea that they may have a mental illness and this reinforces the notion that “different is bad.”
In some cases, gender dysphoria persists into adulthood. The person feels that they are trapped in the body of the opposite sex of what they actually are. This feeling often begins in childhood, and a transgender teen may wish to live as the opposite of his or her physical sex. Such persons, as they reach adulthood, may seek transgender therapy. This therapy consists of psychological counseling, hormonal treatment, and for some, sexual reassignment surgery. Generally, the person is required to live as a member of their desired sex for at least a year, often up to two years, before the transgender surgery is done.
A person who feels that his or her physical sex differs from their gender identity can suffer a great deal of emotional pain. Pressure from family members and peers to conform their gender roles to their physical sex can compound the problems of gender dysphoria, especially for transgender teens. Many who feel trapped in the body of the opposite sex seek transgender therapy. Those who go on to have transgender surgery often feel great relief as their bodies finally reflect their true gender identities.
Tags: gender dysphoria, transgender surgery, transgender teen, transgender therapy
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