Not everyone connects with the gender they were assigned at birth. For instance, around 1.4 million adults in the United States identify as transgender.
When one doesn’t identify with their assigned gender, it is called gender dysphoria. This can bring on several co-existing mental conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
There are several treatment options available, depending on your age and preferences. Knowing your options can help you decide what your next step should be.
Keep reading if you’d like to learn more. Here are some therapy options.
What Is Gender Dysphoria?
Everyone has a gender identity to which our fundamental sense of self is connected. In some instances, some people experience a mental experience called gender dysphoria.
It’s important to note that it is not a mental disorder. People struggling with gender dysphoria can often have co-occurring morbidities like:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
To find relief, treatment should be sought out as soon as possible. This treatment is not intended to “cure” the patient of their feelings. Instead, it helps the anguish and anxiety of not feeling connected to one’s self.
Treatment Options for Gender Dysphoria
A mental health practitioner will evaluate the patient to identify treatment needs. An evaluation can help the practitioner determine if the criteria for a diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria is appropriate.
The outcome of these evaluations helps the doctor know which treatment is best suited to the patient. Here are some types of gender dysphoria treatment available.
Psychological Treatment
One type of treatment available is psychological, sometimes called behavioral health treatment. The goal of this type of treatment is intended to help the client explore and better understand their own gender identity. Ultimately, the hope is to help the client alleviate discomfort and dysphoria. Any therapy that attempts to force the individual into identifying as cis-gender (sex assigned at birth) or transgender is unethical. The mental health provider seeks to bring an open mind with no pre-determined stance on preferred outcomes of gender discussions or exploration.
This therapy involves a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Patients undergoing psychological treatment can:
- Learn to understand and accept themselves
- Build a support network
- Become more comfortable expressing who they truly are
This type of treatment is an excellent first step because it can help you make informed decisions about any subsequent medical treatment options.
Psychological therapy can also include pharmacotherapy. This is also known as drug therapy.
In the case of gender dysphoria-related mental conditions, there is no medication that can address gender dysphoria. However, a doctor may prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression that may accompany, or result from, gender dysphoria.
Hormone Therapy
Some people may wish to use hormone therapy to align their physical bodies with their gender identity. Hormone therapy can help suppress original sex characteristics and promote secondary cross sex characteristics instead. For example, individuals assigned male at birth but identifying as female may wish to block the effects of testosterone, and amplify the effects of progesterone. Similarly, those individuals assigned female at birth but identifying as male may wish to block the effects of progesterone and estrogen, while increasing the effects of testosterone.
These physical changes can contribute to the patient feeling more comfortable in their body.
A Note on Hormone Therapy and Children
Cross-hormone therapy is not recommended in children who haven’t reached puberty. This is because not all children questioning their gender will continue to do so during and past puberty.
Gender Dysphoria Surgery Options
Gender dysphoria surgery is also called gender affirmation or sex reassignment surgery.
This type of surgery helps the patient physically transition from their birth-assigned gender to their self-identified gender. Studies show that as many as 78% of transitioned adults are more satisfied with their lives after their surgery.
It’s important to note that gender affirmation surgery is not for everyone struggling with gender dysphoria. It’s a more permanent option and not everyone who experiences gender dysphoria will decide it is the best or necessary course of action for them. Others do decide this is necessary for them to live full, happy lives. The choice to have or forego surgery does not mean the experience of gender dysphoria is any more or less genuine or authentic. It is a personal choice whether and how someone with gender dysphoria may wish to change their bodies.
Gender Dysphoria FAQ
You may still have unanswered questions regarding this mental condition. Here are some common questions:
At What Age Do People Realize They Have Gender Dysphoria?
While not every transgender person has gender dysphoria, it can occur at any age. However, people who experience it later in life may hide their feelings when they’re young.
What Are Some Gender Dysphoria Symptoms?
Some people report feeling they are inside the wrong body. They also report extreme emotional distress regarding their gender identity. This is why seeking treatment is essential.
Who Can Diagnose Gender Dysphoria?
A mental health professional like a therapist or psychologist can diagnose gender dysphoria. If you need medication for other mental health problems like depression or anxiety, then you should seek a psychiatrist.
What Are Some Risk Factors of Gender Dysphoria?
When people aren’t comfortable in their bodies and don’t seek treatment, they’re at higher risk of suicide. Talk therapy is an excellent place to start to reduce the risk.
What Is the Average Cost of Gender Reassignment Surgery?
Costs can vary depending on the type of surgery chosen. Your average price can be anywhere between $2,000 to $10,000. It’s best to speak to a surgeon for more accurate estimates..
Understanding Gender Dysphoria
While not every transgender person suffers from gender dysphoria, some experience extreme negative feelings regarding their gender identity. Thankfully, treatment options exist.
Treatment helps relieve negative emotions about gender. Talking to a medical professional is vital if you feel conflicted, confused or distressed about your gender. If you’re in the LGBTQ+ community and need to speak to a professional, contact us today. We offer several types of therapy for a variety of conditions.
