Gender Gender dysphoria

GENDER DYSPHORIA Individuals experience conflict between their sex and gender identity are often referred to as ‘transsexuals’.

They often describe themselves as feeling trapped in wrong body They often describe themselves as feeling trapped in wrong body. Gender dysphoria is the ‘core symptom’ of gender identity disorder (GID). It is important to note that this is not the same as homosexuality where there is an acceptance of one’s sex identity.

Gender Identity Disorder (GID) 1 in 11,000 Criteria for DSM IV The person much experience ongoing identification with the opposite sex (i.e. ‘feel’ like a man/woman). They must feel a strong sense of discomfort with their own biological sex. The experience must affect their ability to function in everyday life. No biological condition (such as androgen insensitivity syndrome) should occur at the same time.

Psychological explanations for gender dysphoria Coates et al. (1991) Case study Trauma may lead to cross-gender fantasy to relieve anxiety As observed in a boy whose mother suffered severe depression when he was 3 years old.

Stoller (1975) Gender Identity Disorder results from distorted parental attitudes. Overly close mother-son relationship may lead to greater female identification and confused gender identity

However as Cole points out (1997) Some people do not experience such conditions and yet have GID Others who experience trauma in childhood do not develop GID

Furthermore Many individuals who experience gender dysphoria report discomfort which goes back as far they remember Therefore, it must be due to prenatal experiences rather than childhood trauma.

Biological explanations for gender dysphoria Environmental pollution DDT contains oestrogens Males may be prenatally exposed to high levels of female hormones

Genetic conditions Androgen insensitivity syndrome Congenital adrenal hyperplasia May result in intersex condition when external genitalia do not match genetic sex

Region of hypothalamus The BSTc (the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis is usually larger in males. Zhou et al (1995) found six male-femal transsexuals had a female-sized BSTc.

Research evidence Suggests that gender dysphoria diminishes over time. Most children who show cross-sex identification do not go on to request sex changes. (Green 1997) See other research by Drummond et al (2008)

Consider methodology and ethics Prospective vs. retrospective Variety of measurements used (trangulation) Socially sensitive nature of the research