Some people use the term gender identity disorder (GID) for conditions in adults, but this is not used in the modern version of the DSM-5. GID is a term used for people who had a profound sense of being male or female that was opposite from their assigned sex at birth. The terms gender identity disorder, transsexualism, and gender dysphoria are not interchangeable. But for checking, you have to take the gender dysphoria test.
Causes:
While it's not entirely clear what causes someone to experience gender dysphoria, researchers have identified several potential factors contributing to the condition.
Genetics:
There appears to be a link between genetics and gender dysphoria. Data collected from studies conducted on twins proposes that genetic factors are getting a big role.
Environmental Factors:
Research has found that there seems to be a connection between exposure to prenatal testosterone (via fetal membranes or placenta) and brain development in specific regions among those with gender dysphoria. This suggests that hormone exposure during development plays a role in neurological differences among gender dysphoria.
Cultural factors:
When people see other genders are beneficial in some ways. Like the things they can do easily, while the opposite genders were prohibited from doing the same thing because of culture, they feel trapped in their bodies.
Other factors that may contribute:
Rendering to the American Psychiatric Association, the most perilous factors contributing to the condition are social stressors, such as "inconsistent or absent support from family and school" and exposure to "violence, harassment, or rejection due to their gender presentation."
Reviews of clinical evidence have concluded that psychological factors can play a significant role in developing gender dysphoria. Counseling may help improve the quality of life for those with gender dysphoria.
No specific psychosocial treatment protocol has been conclusively demonstrated to change transgender people's lives. However, some therapeutic approaches have been studied and shown to help.
Research on this matter:
Another study found that transgender children were more likely than cisgender children to have autistic-like traits. However, these traits are not necessarily related to each other. A 2014 review of the literature suggested that biological factors such as differences in brain structure and function may play a role in transgender identity.
The same review concluded that this disorder had identified no specific psychosocial or family dynamic cause for gender dysphoria. In addition, LGBT people are usually born in families that offer "supportive and accepting conditions."
Treatments:
After a gender dysphoria test confirmed a person has this condition, now he needs treatment. Treatment of gender dysphoria requires techniques that are different from those used to treat other psychiatric disorders. These techniques are based on various approaches, including psychotherapy, support groups, and body modification.
The best treatment for gender dysphoria is getting individualized and depends upon the needs and desires of each person. The goal of therapy is to help people with gender dysphoria feel more comfortable with their bodies, to have a clear sense of themselves in regards to their gender identity, and to be able to express their gender identity through social roles, relationships, and other aspects of life. If you need more about Gender Identity Quiz, do get in touch.
Many different types of treatment are available:
- Psychological treatment
- Support for a person's transition
- Hormone therapy
- Surgery
Transgender youth (those under 18 years old) who present with gender dysphoria may require special care from mental health professionals. These individuals might benefit from working with a team of professionals, including mental health professionals, medical professionals, and parent figures.
The mental health professionals can help by creating a safe environment for the child or young adult to explore how they feel about their gender identity. Parents should encourage to support their children in exploring the possibilities about what it means for them to be transgender or gender nonconforming.
Moreover, the best treatment is to affirm the person's gender identity by helping them transition to their identified gender. This involves social, psychological, and medical treatments.
Social treatment:
Social treatment helps transgender people express themselves in ways that reflect their true gender identity. This can include making physical changes like altering their name and pronouns, dressing differently, and changing their hairstyle or body characteristics with hormones or surgery.
Psychological treatment:
Psychological treatments reduce the emotional distress caused by the conflict between a person's gender and allotted sex. Psychologists usually use talk therapy to reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. Similarly, it can also provide after getting the results from the gender dysphoria test. Some states have laws against insurance companies paying for psychological treatment unless it's strictly necessary for medical treatment.
Psychiatric care:
Psychiatric care helps treat co-occurring mental health conditions. Also, a specialist may prescribe psychiatric medications to help patients cope with these conditions while adjusting to life as transgender people. Medications might include antidepressants or anti-anxiety.
