Gender Dysphori A Controversial Mental Disorder - 1793 Words

Gender Dysphoria Katlynn Tolley Gender Dysphoria is a controversial mental disorder that affects the medical, social, and personal aspects of the lives of many people. There is no definite known cause that is agreed upon in the medical field. Research is still underway to determine causes of Gender Dysphoria as well as effective treatment options and ways to increase the quality of life for people diagnosed with it. Gender Dysphoria, or GD, is a condition in which an individual feels like their biological sex does not correspond with the gender they feel comfortable identifying as. To understand the disorder, you must first understand the meaning of the words. Gender is â€Å"the state of being male or female† (Merriam-Webster). Dysphoria is a synonym for dissatisfaction. Therefore, Gender Dysphoria means the individual is dissatisfied, or uncomfortable, with being either a biological male or a biological female. In the past, Gender Dysphoria used to be called â€Å"Gender Identity Disorder† (Web MD). Another name is â€Å"Transvestic Fetishism† (Britannica). Signs of Gender Dysphoria can become apparent in childhood. Younger children may dislike toys and activities for children their age that line up with their biological sex. Children this young typically do not understand gender, but this is an early sign that they are unaware of. They may also choose friends of the gender they consciously or subconsciously wish to be. They may be more attracted to these people because