How Gender Identity Disorder Works

Because gender identity disorder is currently considered a psychological disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist must make the diagnosis.

The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), formerly known as the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, maintains and publishes the Standards of Care (SOC) -- guidelines for how to treat people with gender identity disorder. The Standards of Care are intended for professionals, individuals with gender identity disorder and their families, as well as institutions or anyone else seeking to understand current information about the psychological, medical and surgical treatments for GID.

In accordance with the Standards of Care, when an individual begins to question and feel persistent dissatisfaction with his or her gender identity, no matter at what age, therapy -- psychological, endocrine or surgical -- should begin. Treatment is intended to help the patient's well-being, not to sway or convince a person from his or her path.

Gender identity struggles may begin as early as age two to four years, when children begin to exhibit interest in cross-gender activities.

Most will outgrow symptoms of gender identity disorder before adolescence. By late adolescence or adulthood, about three quarters of boys with symptoms of gender identity disorder report homosexual or bisexual orientations. Most of the remaining 25 percent live as heterosexuals [source: Merck]. A small percentage of adolescents and adults will go on to identify as transsexuals.

Adult gender identity disorder typically manifests in late adolescence or in early to mid-adulthood, although there is no determinant age of onset. Adolescents questioning their gender identity usually report cross-gendered feelings since childhood. Later onset gender identity disorder usually appears gradually, with individuals seeking therapy in early to mid-adulthood.

Next we'll talk about the specifics -- what are the symptoms and criteria for diagnosis?

Gender identity disorder is currently listed as a psychological disorder in the DSM-IV under Section 302.85 (adults and adolescents) and 302.6 (children). Depending on the individual's age, diagnosis may be termed Gender Identity Disorder of Childhood, Gender Identity Disorder of Adolescence or Adulthood and on condition, Gender Identity Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. The DSM changed its terminology from transsexualism to gender identity disorder in 1994.

GID was first included in the DSM-IV in 1980. In addition to the DSM, other standard medical texts like the American Medical Association Encyclopedia, the Merck Manual, and the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD) all include the disorder.

The ICD also maintains a list of gender identity disorder diagnoses, including:

There is no specific test that can be performed to indicate whether or not a person has gender identity disorder. Instead mental health professionals use certain criteria to make a diagnosis. These criteria include:

In children, the diagnosis must include the presence of at least four of the following symptoms:

DSD (or intersex) conditions are generally classified as "Not Otherwise Specified" (DSM) or "Unspecified" (ICD).

Next we'll explore available treatment options, complications and diseases related to gender identity disorder.

Treatment plans for gender identity disorder are based on the Standards of Care developed by WPATH.

Each plan is created on an individual basis and varies depending on the age of the patient and the degree to which he or she wants to adapt to his or her desired gender.

For children with GID, individual and family counseling, along with social and physical interventions are recommended. Children with gender identity disorder may develop symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety and separation anxiety disorder. Adolescents may be at risk for depression, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts. Counseling should focus on improving self-esteem and treating associated complications.

Parents are encouraged to allow their child to explore fantasies about being a member of the opposite gender in a safe and tolerant environment. Additionally, parents are offered suggestions such as using gender-neutral language, making gay-friendly media available, and encouraging the child to participate in any activities she or he is interested in without judgment.

When GID is diagnosed in an adult, a multifaceted therapeutic approach begins. In addition to support groups and counseling (both individual and couples counseling), patients may choose hormone therapy, undertake a Real-Life Experience (living full time in their desired gender for a year or longer) and gender reassignment surgery. Patients desiring gender reassignment surgery undergo extensive evaluation, therapy and a transition period before they can be approved for surgery.

According to the American Psychological Association, the transgendered suffer from a higher than average rate of depression, anxiety, suicide and self-mutilation, yet rarely seek treatment. Untreated gender identity disorders may manifest in associated disorders and emotional distress that can interfere with the individual's ability to function socially at school and work or in relationships. Treatment helps a patient achieve and maintain a healthy and stable life.

To learn more about gender identity disorder, gender reassignment surgery and other related topics, take a look at our links page.