Atypical gender development - gender dysphoria Flashcards
What is gender dysphoria
a psychiatric condition, a mismatch between a person’s biological sex and their gender identity
How do people with gender dysphoria feel
anxiety, distress, depression, self harm, suicidal
What behaviours would a person with gender dysphoria show
cross dress
use mannerisms of the opposite gender
gender reassignment surgery
When does gender dysphoria occur
in childhood, for the majority it doesn’t persist after puberty
Under what circumstances is gender dysphoria diagnosed
no physical intersex condition
must cause significant distress or impairment in functioning
In what ratio does gender dysphoria affect men to women
5:1 (men:women)
Name the four biological explanations to gender dysphoria
- the transsexual gene
- the brain sex theory
- phantom limb and cross wiring
- pesticides
How can the transsexual gene explain gender dysphoria
males with gender dysphoria have a longer version of the androgen receptor gene which reduces the action of testosterone meaning the gene failed to masculinise the brain
What gene is involved in the transsexual gene explanation of gender dysphoria
androgen receptor gene which reduces the action of testosterone
How can brain sex theory explain gender development
male and female brains are different and transsexual’s brains match that of their preferred sex more than biological sex
What is the name for male and female brain areas being different
dimorphic
What region of the brain is studied under brain sex theory
BSTc
What is the difference in the BSTc between men and women
BSTc is twice as large and has twice the number of neurons in men than women
How can phantom limb and cross wiring explain gender development
gender dysphoria is an innate form of phantom limb syndrome where the sex organs of the opposite preferred gender is hardwired into the brain
What do 2/3 of FtM transsexuals report the sensation of
phantom penis and phantom erections
