Gender identity disorder
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Definition
The psychological diagnosis gender identity disorder (GID) is used to describe a male or female that feels a strong identification with the opposite sex and experiences considerable distress because of their actual sex.
Description
Gender identity disorder can affect children, adolescents, and adults. Individuals with gender identity disorder have strong cross-gender identification. They believe that they are, or should be, the opposite sex. They are uncomfortable with their sexual role and organs and may express a desire to alter their bodies. While not all persons with GID are labeled as transsexuals, there are those who are determined to undergo sex change procedures or have done so, and, therefore, are classified as transsexual. They often attempt to pass socially as the opposite sex. Transsexuals alter their physical appearance cosmetically and hormonally, and may eventually undergo a sex-change operation.
Children with gender identity disorder refuse to dress and act in sex-stereotypical ways. It is important to remember that many emotionally healthy children experience fantasies about being a member of the opposite sex. The distinction between these children and gender identity disordered children is that the latter experience significant interference in functioning because of their cross-gender identification. They may become severely depressed, anxious, or socially withdrawn.
Causes and symptoms
The cause of gender identity disorder is not known. It has been theorized that a prenatal hormonal imbalance may predispose individuals to the disorder. Problems in the individual's family interactions or family dynamics have also been postulated as having some causal impact.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), the diagnostic reference standard for United States mental health professionals, describes the criteria for gender identity disorder as an individual's strong and lasting cross-gender identification and their persistent discomfort with their biological gender role. This discomfort must cause a significant amount of distress or impairment in the functioning of the individual.
DSM-IV specifies that children must display at least four of the following symptoms of cross-gender identification for a diagnosis of gender identity disorder:
- a repeatedly stated desire to be, or insistence that he or she is, the opposite sex
- a preference for cross-dressing
- a strong and lasting preference to play make-believe and role-playing games as a member of the opposite sex or persistent fantasies that he or she is the opposite sex
- a strong desire to participate in the stereotypical games of the opposite sex
- a strong preference for friends and playmates of the opposite sex
Diagnosis
Gender identity disorder is typically diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist, who conducts an interview with the patient and takes a detailed social history. Family members may also be interviewed during the assessment process. This evaluation usually takes place in an outpatient setting.
Treatment
Treatment for children with gender identity disorder focuses on treating secondary problems such as depression and anxiety, and improving self-esteem. Treatment may also work on instilling positive identifications with the child's biological gender. Children typically undergo psychosocial therapy sessions; their parents may also be referred for family or individual therapy.
Transsexual adults often request hormone and surgical treatments to suppress their biological sex characteristics and acquire those of the opposite sex. A team of health professionals, including the treating psychologist or psychiatrist, medical doctors, and several surgical specialists, oversee this transitioning process. Because of the irreversible nature of the surgery, candidates for sex-change surgery are evaluated extensively and are often required to spend a period of time integrating themselves into the cross-gender role before the procedure begins. Counseling and peer support are also invaluable to transsexual individuals.
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People should perhaps try understanding them instead of putting them down? It is afterall a psychological disorder which may or may not be treatable. -
why this here har?
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Yes I agree fully.
I have friends of both sexes who suffer from that. -
Wanted to know opinions of the majority I suppose? Didn't know where exactly to post it either lolOriginally posted by Ito_^:why this here har? 
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Isn't there a Psychology Forum in here?? -
Issit due to GST increase or Global warming?
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both.. lolOriginally posted by Darkness_hacker99: Issit due to GST increase or Global warming? -
This is actually the sickness of the thinking or mentality of the individual. Should they identify better with the other sex, i think its better for them to undergo the sex change operation than to remain in a body that they are not satisfied with.
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Originally posted by FightinForLove:both.. lol
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some is actually misguided one. dats y change sex le, regret, change back again. got one korean movie, the chio bu boy wanted to change sex, but his bro, turn on porn his dick rose skyhigh.Originally posted by TYING:This is actually the sickness of the thinking or mentality of the individual. Should they identify better with the other sex, i think its better for them to undergo the sex change operation than to remain in a body that they are not satisfied with. -
lol, i nv watch tt movie.Originally posted by Ito_^:some is actually misguided one. dats y change sex le, regret, change back again. got one korean movie, the chio bu boy wanted to change sex, but his bro, turn on porn his dick rose skyhigh.
Anyway i got one qn tt give me a lot of headache. You see ar, if can change into another sex through operation, why cannot change back leh? Just go through the same operation and than tadah! why its irriversible ar?
And also, if change into woman cannot give birth, if change into man, can reproduce? and do they change the internal also? -
The surgery is irreversible in terms of the loss of function of the sexual organs to be removed. Yes, a man to woman transsexual could theoretically change back into a man but s/he could not function sexually with the new constructed penis.
Also prior to and after the surgery, you will have to be on a daily dosage of hormones which will significantly alter your body shape. And such change could be permanent.Originally posted by TYING:lol, i nv watch tt movie.
Anyway i got one qn tt give me a lot of headache. You see ar, if can change into another sex through operation, why cannot change back leh? Just go through the same operation and than tadah! why its irriversible ar?
And also, if change into woman cannot give birth, if change into man, can reproduce? and do they change the internal also? -
got one guy did dat. change to char boh den change back again. looks weird now. saw the photos on news or something before.Originally posted by TYING:lol, i nv watch tt movie.
Anyway i got one qn tt give me a lot of headache. You see ar, if can change into another sex through operation, why cannot change back leh? Just go through the same operation and than tadah! why its irriversible ar?
And also, if change into woman cannot give birth, if change into man, can reproduce? and do they change the internal also?
can reproduce anot. i dunnoe.