What is Gender Dysphoria?

The cause of gender dysphoria is unknown, but hormonal influences in the womb are suspected to be involved. The condition is rare and may occur in children or adults.

Cross-gender behaviors begin as early as 2 years, which is the start of the developmental period in which children begin expressing gendered behaviors and interests. Early-onset gender dysphoria typically starts in childhood and continues into adolescents and adulthood, which late-onset gender dysphoria occurs around puberty or much later in life.

Body dysphoria may lead an individual to feel uncomfortable with the entire body or only with certain parts of the body. Some may feel as if they were born into the “wrong” body, but others may use different language to describe their personal experience. Because each person’s experience differs, no broad statement can describe how an individual may be affected by dysphoria.

Social dysphoria can describe distress and discomfort that occurs as a result of how one is viewed by society. Assuming a person’s gender, using incorrect pronouns, or making assumptions about social roles in relation to gender can all be factors contributing to a person’s experience of social dysphoria.

Many work through feelings of dysphoria with the help of a trained therapist or counselor.

Individuals who wish to take hormones and/or pursue surgery to better align physical characteristics with their gender may find feelings of dysphoria begin to ease as they take these steps. These steps are offered after a year of therapy after making absolutely sure this is the best route. Some may simply live as their true gender without hormones or surgery.

Many individuals legally change their name and gender marker to reflect their true gender, and for many individuals, it may be the case that being socially recognized as a member of their actual gender and being addressed by the correct pronouns helps to ease feelings of dysphoria.

Gender dysphoria can be present in children or adolescents and adults, and can manifest differently in different age groups.

Children with gender dysphoria may manifest coexisting separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and symptoms of depression.

Adults may display anxiety and depressive symptoms. Some adult males have a history of paraphilias. Associated personality disorders are more common among males than among females being evaluated at adult gender clinics.