Gender Dysphoria is the significant distress or discomfort a person may experience when their gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. It involves a strong desire to live as a different gender or be recognized by others as a different gender.
Key Points:
- Not the Same as Being Transgender: Not all transgender individuals experience dysphoria; dysphoria is specifically about the distress component.
- Signs: Persistent incongruence between one’s experienced gender and physical/assigned gender; discomfort with one’s body (particularly primary or secondary sex characteristics).
- Impact: Can affect mental health, relationships, and self-esteem if unaddressed.
- Interventions: Psychotherapy (to explore identity and coping skills), gender-affirming care (e.g., hormone therapy, surgeries), social support, and resources for social/medical transition if desired.
