Dispelling the myth of gender dysphoria

Gender dysphoria refers to the anxiety caused by a mismatch between a person's biological sex and their gender identity. Studies indicate that nearly all Trans Men (TM) and Trans Women (TW) experience gender dysphoria by the age of seven (7), with some individuals continuing to experience it throughout their lives. However, there are numerous strategies to improve one's inner feelings and body image.
Recent estimates suggest that the prevalence of gender dysphoria ranges between 390 and 460 per 100,000 people, with trans women (MTF, Male to Female) consistently having a higher prevalence than trans men (FTM, Female to Male).
The exact cause of gender unease remains unknown, although specialists believe that a combination of factors such as prenatal hormones, genetics, cultural influences, and environmental factors may play a role. In some cases, hormones responsible for biological sex may not fully affect the brain, reproductive organs, and genitals, leading to discrepancies between them.
Symptoms of gender dysphoria in children include a strong desire to be the other gender, cross-dressing, engaging in cross-gender roles during play, preferring playmates of the opposite gender, rejecting toys and activities associated with their assigned gender and a dislike for their sexual anatomy.
Counselling, hormonal therapy, and surgery are common treatment. Treatment has been shown to reduce suicidal tendency and improve the quality of life in individuals with gender dysphoria. Many transgender individuals undergoing feminising or masculinising hormone therapy, such as estrogen or testosterone, report emotional improvement as their gender dysphoria diminishes or resolves.

Dr Sayed Inam
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Fellow, American Psychiatric Association