When children and teenagers are gender diverse, they might behave or dress in ways that aren't what people expect of their assumed gender. Gender dysphoria is when a person feels distressed because their gender identity differs from their assumed gender.
While symptoms of gender dysphoria often appear in early childhood, it's not uncommon for them to first appear during adolescence or, in some cases, even adulthood. Also, feelings of dysphoria don't always accompany gender incongruence; in some cases, it may develop years later – or not at all.
Most patients (TM: 78%; TW: 73%) reported experiencing GD for the first time between ages 3 and 7 years.
The estimated prevalence of gender dysphoria among those assigned female sex at birth rose sharply at the age of 11, peaked between the ages of 17 and 19, and then fell below that of those assigned male sex at birth, by the age of 22.
A teen suffering from gender dysphoria may exhibit a range of feelings and behaviors that are confusing to parents. These patterns typically develop in early childhood. They can also start to emerge as the adolescent grows into a young adult.
Gender dysphoria is a term that describes a sense of unease that a person may have because of a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity. This sense of unease or dissatisfaction may be so intense it can lead to depression and anxiety and have a harmful impact on daily life.
Some youth find that their dysphoria abates as puberty starts, making it important to allow initial pubertal changes to occur. On the other hand, some youth may find their gender dysphoria increases with puberty, corroborating their need for further care.
“There are different things that might trigger your dysphoria, such as seeing a photograph of yourself, looking at yourself in the mirror, looking at yourself naked, being intimate with someone, feeling that your voice is too feminine or too masculine, being misgendered, being perceived as your assigned gender, being ...
The condition may start with biological changes that happen before birth. The anxiety, stress and general discomfort associated with gender dysphoria may be linked to social stigma.
Gender dysphoria might start in childhood and continue into adolescence and adulthood.
People with gender dysphoria decide which treatment options are right for them. Some are satisfied with taking hormones alone. Some are satisfied with no medical or surgical treatment but prefer to dress as the felt gender in public.
Hormone therapy for adults
It's important to remember that hormone therapy is only one of the treatments for gender dysphoria. Others include voice therapy and psychological support. The decision to have hormone therapy will be taken after a discussion between you and your clinic team.
If your child wants to affirm their gender identity, they'll need to have a comprehensive medical and mental health assessment before any medical support can be recommended. It's also important for them to be involved in decisions about these kinds of treatments.
Gender dysphoria of childhood is not a surgical diagnosis. It is a medical diagnosis that does not require treatment, other than possibly individual or family therapy, until a child reaches puberty. Gender dysphoria is typically diagnosed by a therapist or other mental health professional.
“If your child has come out to you as non-binary, one of the best things you can do is educate yourself,” says Geisinger pediatrician Dr. Megan Moran-Sands. “Consider joining an LGBTQ support group on social media, listening to podcasts or reading books on the topic.”
Gender dysphoria can be confirmed if certain criteria outlined by the APA are met. The DSM-5 states that at least two of the following criteria must be experienced for at least six months in adolescents or adults: A strong desire to be of the gender other than the one assigned at birth.
You may feel: certain that your gender identity conflicts with your biological sex. comfortable only when in the gender role of your preferred gender identity (may include non-binary) a strong desire to hide or be rid of physical signs of your biological sex, such as breasts or facial hair.
There was growing evidence that the autistic population has a higher risk of GD. However, certain studies seek to disprove this hypothesis. There is also growing evidence that childhood abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and physical or sexual abuse may be associated with GD.
It's important to accept your child and let them know you love and support them, whatever their gender identity is. If you feel anxious or uncomfortable, you're not alone. Many young people and parents find talking to other parents and children who have had similar experiences a great help.
The available research indicates that the brain structure of androphilic trans women with early-onset gender dysphoria is closer to that of cisgender women than that of cisgender men. It also reports that gynephilic trans women differ from both cisgender female and male controls in non-dimorphic brain areas.
Dysphoria describes an intense emotional state that can be a symptom of many mental health diagnoses. It is a profound state of dissatisfaction and unease. Many describe it as feeling unhappy or sad. Symptoms may manifest themselves in depression, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
To put in simpler terms, a person with gender dysphoria is not mentally ill; they are dissatisfied with the gender assigned at their birth. A person with body dysmorphia has a disorder in which they perceive their body or face as “ugly,” “fat,” or otherwise unattractive despite medical or personal reassurances.
Psychology professor Darryl Hill insists that gender dysphoria is not a mental disorder, but rather that the diagnostic criteria reflect psychological distress in children that occurs when parents and others have trouble relating to their child's gender variance.