...Abigail Gardener Physiology December 3, 2014 Physiology Paper on Gender Dysphoria Gender identity disorder (GID) or gender dysphoria is the formal diagnosis used by psychologists and physicians to describe people who experience significant discontent with the sex they were assigned at birth and/or the gender roles associated with that sex. Evidence suggests that people who identify with a gender different from the one they were assigned at birth may do so not just due to psychological or behavioral causes, but also biological ones related to their genetics, the makeup of their brains, or prenatal exposure to hormones. Gender identity disorder is classified as a medical disorder called gender dysphoria. Many transgender people and researchers support declassification of GID because they say the diagnosis pathologies gender variance, reinforces the binary model of gender and can result in reprehension of transgender individuals. The official classification of gender dysphoria as a disorder may help resolve some of these issues, because the term "gender dysphoria" applies only to the discontent experienced by some persons resulting from gender identity issues. The current medical approach to treatment for persons diagnosed with gender identity disorder is to support the individual in physically modifying the body to better match the psychological gender identity. This approach is based on the concept that their experience is based in a medical problem correctable by...
Words: 382 - Pages: 2
...Preventions Gender Dysphoria is not something that can be easily prevented. It could be incredibly hard for someone to change someone else mind about the way they feel about themselves. Anyway, to prevent Gender Dysphoria it has to start early in the person life. Children, as early as age 3, can start developing the desire of wanting to be the opposite sex. So the sooner the parents act on preventing it the higher the chances are to change the children way of thinking. Parents could start by providing gender-appropriate clothing and toys. They should also try to avoid saying disrespectful comment about the child liking in things. Such as the toys they rather play with or the activity they rather do. By doing this it lowers the risk of harming...
Words: 876 - Pages: 4
...Discuss explanations of Gender Dysphoria (8+16 marks) Gender Dysphoria is a psychological disorder where individuals experience confusion between their biological sex, their gender identity and gender roles. The Biosocial explanation suggests gender Dysphoria is due to a complex interaction of biological and social factors. Hare et al (09) studied DNA of 112 male to female transsexuals found a correlation between dysphoria and androgen receptor genes. Maladaptive androgen receptor genes failed to masculinise the brain during prenatal development. However, they also found cases of people with this gene who did not develop gender dysphoria, which demonstrates that a biosocial explanation is needed to explain the social factors that are also involved. Therefore, findings are not absolute and because results are based on a correlational design, no cause and effect into gender dysphoria and androgen receptor genes can be established. However, the research can be credited for high scientific validity because well established, objective, scientific measures such as gene testing were done in a lab to study gender dysphoria. Moreover, research has found that sex hormones present during pregnancy affect adult sexual behaviour as hormones either masculinise or feminise the brain prenatally. There are cases of individuals with abnormal genitals due to hormonal imbalance of hormones and they developed conflicting sex and gender identity, potentially leading to gender dsyphoria. This provides...
Words: 777 - Pages: 4
...This paper will review research and policies that set up from Department of Defense (DoD) agencies and civilian nonprofit institutions addressing gender dysphoria (GD) effects and limitations of affected individuals by GD on the readiness in an operational environment. The material will discuss concepts, definitions, and restrictions shown in the policies of DoD and TRICARE policy manuals (2017). Current policy recommendations written by Secretary of Defense (SecDef), the Honorable James Mattis (2018) shows criteria set up in a DoD report (2018) for individuals with a history or diagnosis GD. Research from the Rand Corporation (2016) will illustrate the implications of individuals affected by GD and the impact of the military service....
Words: 1426 - Pages: 6
...Gender identity disorder is when an individual have very strong feelings of the opposite sex. They experience discomfort within their own sex and somewhat yearns for the identification of the opposite sex. The condition has also been called “transsexualism.” But this term is outdated. Some consider it offensive. Now “transgender” is often used to describe someone who feels his or her body and gender do not match For instance someone who is a male may often dress up like a woman even feeling like one. They may experience many different identity issues throughout their lives. Identity conflicts need to continue over time to be considered gender dysphoria. The feeling of being in the body of the "wrong" gender must last for at least 2 years for this diagnosis to be made. A history and psychiatric evaluation can confirm the person's constant desire to be the opposite sex. How the gender conflict occurs is different in each person. For example, some people may cross-dress while others want sex-change surgery. Some people of one gender privately identify more with the other gender.Someone who has gender identity disorder may often cross dress and even and seek sex change operations. Many individuals with this disorder seem to become very isolated socially and very separated from everyone. The social isolation sometimes causes major depression. Adults may display anxiety and depressive symptoms. Some adult males have a history of transvestic fetishism as well as other paraphilias. Associated...
Words: 462 - Pages: 2
...Regional School Unit 26, a transgender elementary school girl was diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Her school recognized the importance of her transition and began referring to her as a female. However, once this decision became a problem with other students and parents, the school took away her right to use the girls’ restroom and forced her into using a staff bathroom. They also would not let her use the girls’ restroom once she transitioned to middle school. The girl’s parents sued the school because of discrimination based on sex. The Maine Supreme court ruled in favor of the girl stating, “it has been clearly established that a student’s psychological well-being and educational success depend upon being permitted to use the communal bathroom consistent with her gender identity, denying access to the appropriate bathroom constitutes sexual orientation discrimination in violation of the Maine Human Rights Act (Doe v. Regional School Unit 26, p. 13-14).” In Mathis v. Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, Coy Mathis, a six-year-old transgender girl was told she would no longer be allowed to use the girls’ restroom. She would have to use the nurse’s bathroom. The...
Words: 1250 - Pages: 5
...Gender and Development Gender-role development is one of the most important areas of human development. The moment a women finds out she is pregnant she is often anxious to find out the sex of her child. The definitions of the terms "sex" and "gender" need to be understood. The term "sex" denotes the actual physical makeup of individuals that define them as male or female. Sex is determined by genetic makeup, internal reproductive organs, the organization of the brain, and external genitalia. The behavior of individuals as males or females, the types of roles they assume, and their personality characteristics, may be just as important as a person's biological framework. In order to differentiate between biological features one may take into consideration behaviors and social roles to establish "gender." Sex and gender are often intertwined, and certain social expectations can be attributed to one’s biological sex. The sex of a newborn sets the agenda for a whole array of developmental experiences that will influence the person throughout his or her life. Overall, the sex differences between boys and girls in the first year of life are minimal. Boys may be a bit more active or fussier and girls more physically mature and less prone to physical problems, but that may be the extent of the significant differences. Mothers have a tendency to ignore more of their son's emotional outbursts in comparison to their daughters' outbursts. Boys may be rough-housed or played with in...
Words: 1796 - Pages: 8
...Many people feel like they are born with disorders of sexuality and gender disorders. Even though you can not permit someone to feel or think they way do, it is only important to listen and understand that these disorders are categorized into a mental health issue. These individuals are often afraid of what others will say about them. They feel like they will be judged and ridiculed, do his or her disorder. These disorders are very common in men and women and has been prevalent since the 21st century. The signs and symptoms are different, and they vary from person to person. Sexual organs, sexual dysfunction, and sexual performance all revolve around disorders of gender and sexuality. Depending on the exact disorder that is present, this is...
Words: 919 - Pages: 4
...personnel. Explanations of gender identity disorder and gender dysphoria disorder, defined as mental disorders by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) (American Psychiatric Association [APA], DSM-1, 1942; DSM-4, 2000; DSM-5, 2013). This textbook published and periodically updated by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), directly affects the guidelines for determining qualification of personnel into military service. Factual information is the only justification used for the policies put forth by the Department of Defense (DOD), Secretary of Defense (SECDEF), the Supreme Court of the United States, the office of the President of the United States and all categories of official office or position...
Words: 1576 - Pages: 7
...Discuss the role of hormones and/or genes in gender development. (8 + 16 marks) Biological sex is determined by genes, which are on chromosomes. Humans generally have 23 pairs of chromosomes, one pair of which determines sex. Females have an XX pair while males have an XY pair. Chromosomal sex largely controls how masculine or feminine the egg's development will be. Chromosomal sex controls whether an embryo will develop ovaries or testes. The SRY gene on the Y chromosome which only males possess will cause the gonad (the organ which produces sex cells) to develop into testes; a female's gonad will develop into ovaries due to the absence of the SRY gene. External genitalia strongly influences gender development, through the effects of the hormones which they produce and due to psychological and social factors. Hormones also affect the development of the genitalia. Androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone stimulate the development of male sex organs. Genetic females who are exposed prenatally to high levels of androgens may therefore develop ambiguous genitalia and the baby may appear externally to be male. Similarly, genetic males with too little androgens may appear externally to be female - this condition is known as androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). Hormones also have a powerful affect on the development of the brain. Females and males have different brains, with females generally being better at social skills such as empathising & males generally excelling...
Words: 809 - Pages: 4
...deliver best care for the transgender patients in the mental health care setting. Objectives Content Outline Method of Instruction Time Allowed (in min) Resources Method of Evaluation Following a fifteen minute teaching session, the learner will be able to: Define the key terms and concepts related to the transgender patients. (Cognitive) Describe the barriers to health care faced by the transgender patients. (Psychomotor) Demonstrate the correct methods for updating the patients’ health care record. (psychomotor) Discuss at least two words or comments that are offensive to the transgender patient resulting in negative health care experience. (affective) Definition of transgender, transgender man, transgender woman and gender dysphoria Health care disparities facing transgender patients Management of patients health care record Evaluation of learning Lecture Lecture Lecture Lecture 4 3 5 3 PowerPoint, Brochure PowerPoint PowerPoint, Brochure PowerPoint, Brochure Post-test Post-test, question and answer Post-test, question and answer Post-test, question and answer Implementation: A PowerPoint presentation with pictures was designed for the visual learners. Examples of health disparities in transgender population was verbally discussed with the group including increased risk of suicide in this population. Brochures with pictures were...
Words: 711 - Pages: 3
...identify by gender lies a whole world of complications. Transgender people get harassed and bullied everyday because they use the "wrong" bathroom but which bathroom is exactly the "right" one? In a recent poll, 59 percent of Americans believe that transgender individuals should use the bathroom that corresponds with the gender they were assigned at birth, while 26 percent are comfortable with self-determination when it comes to choosing which bathroom to use. Some people believe that if you are born a girl but identity as a man, you should still use the room based on your genitalia. Others believe if you identify as a man, you should use the men's room. Either way, someone in either bathroom is upset. Stereotypes from the past as well as what genitals people are born with are major contributors to the labeling of bathrooms. This presents a problem in today’s society where gender and sex is no longer the same thing. This is where the controversy lies. Until not too long ago, the racial separation of bathrooms was an important civil rights issue in the United States. Since there were unlikely to be four separate bathrooms, only white women and men could depend on having someplace to pee when traveling (Cooper and Ruth, 1999, Pages 12-13). People of other races had no where to use a restroom and were seen as wrong if they were to ever use a whites only bathroom. Twenty years ago, the gendering of bathrooms became a contentious feminist issue. It was part of the fight for gender equality...
Words: 1747 - Pages: 7
...Diagnosis: Gender Dysphoria in Adolescents and Adults Code: 302.85 (F64.1) INTRODUCTION Jasmin “Jas” is a 19 year old girl. Jasmin was born on March 20, 1995 in Buliaw 1, Cotabato City. Her parents name was Mr. Michael and Mrs. Meriam. Jasmin’s mother is an Overseas Filipino Worker in Kuwait and her father is a businessman. Jasmin is the eldest among the four (4) siblings. She took her elementary education in Agape, Elementary School, Cotabato City. Her secondary education in Kabacan National High School and she is now pursuing her tertiary education in University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, North Cotabato. When Jasmin was still a kid, her parents decided to divorce because of some reasons. Jasmin’s father left home and find another wife. Also, Jasmin’s mother find another man and both Jasmin’s mother and step father live together with Jasmin and with their new 3 children. Two boys and a girl. Suddenly, Jasmin’s mother and step father decided to separate and have their own home together with their new children. Jasmin was left to Telican, Jasmin’s grandmother. Few years after, Jasmin’s mother, Meriam decided to go to abroad specifically in Kuwait. Because of the absence of parent’s guidance, Jasmin felt so sad and she thought that she was left alone. But despite of this, Jasmin was so thankful that Telican, her grandmother loves Jasmin very much. Since kindergarten, Jasmin felt the incongruence between what she feels inside about her gender and the assigned gender to her...
Words: 4115 - Pages: 17
...Definition: Gender Dysphoria Disorder was formerly understood by the term Gender Identity Disorder (GID). In this type of disorder, an individual’s biological gender and emotional gender do not accord. This means that an individual of one gender feels at ease with the opposite gender and is at odds with people of his own gender. For instance, an individual who is a male feels that he is more secure and confident with the female gender rather than in the company of males. In other words, confusion over identity or trans-sexualism (as it was formerly called) or transgender (as it is often referred to in current terminology) is a disorder that is felt by individuals who belong to one gender yet identify themselves with the opposite gender, while at the same time being uncomfortable in the company or interaction of the same gender. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) identifies gender dysphoria as “people whose gender at birth is contrary to the one they identify with” (Zucker et al, 2013). The person may be an adult, a child or an adolescent. Although the clinical term still refers to the condition as a disorder, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) states that it should not be called a disorder as such since it is not a mental illness. The intolerable situation for the individual suffering from the gender identity confusion or mismatch actually occurs due to stress and emotional disturbances associated with what the...
Words: 2226 - Pages: 9
...report from the Williams Institute, a think tank on sexual orientation and gender identity, suggests nearly 700,000 transgender individuals live in the USA. An online fact sheet from the American Psychological Association defines "transgender" as an "umbrella term for persons whose gender identity, gender expression, or behavior does not conform to that typically associated with the sex to which they were assigned at birth." But even mental health professionals who specialize in gender identity say there is much about being transgender that is unclear, so classifying it for treatment purposes is challenging. "It's different from other mental disorders," says Jack Drescher, a New York psychiatrist who was part of the American Psychiatric Association's work group on gender identity, which revised the latest manual of mental disorders, the DSM-5. "Usually with a mental disorder, we try and change the person's mind," he says. "This is the only mental disorder where the treatment is changing the body. In a typical mental disorder, we try to make those symptoms go away. Here the treatment has emerged to align the person's body to match their gender identity." STORY: Medical issues for transgendered people go beyond surgery For people who feel they're really a different gender than the one they were born, the new manual changed the diagnostic name from "gender identity disorder" to "gender dysphoria," which refers to the distress that may be associated with it. Drescher...
Words: 753 - Pages: 4
