Chapter 10: Disorders Involving Gender and Sexuality Flashcards
Gender dysphoria
A psychological disorder in which people experience significant personal distress or impaired functioning as a result of a conflict between their anatomic sex and their gender identity.
Gender identity
Psychological sense of being female or being male.
Transgender identity
The psychological sense of belonging to one gender while possessing the sexual organs of the other.
Not all people with transgender identity have gender dysphoria or any other diagnosable disorder.
What are the key features/behaviors of gender dysphoria in childhood?
Strong desire to be a member of the other gender or strongly expressing the belief that one is a member of the other gender (or of some alternative gender)
Strong preferences for playing with members of the other gender and for toys, games, and activities associated with the other gender
Strong feelings of disgust and personal distress about one’s sexual anatomy
Strong desires to have physical characteristics (i.e., primary or secondary sexual characteristics) associated with one’s experienced gender
Strong preferences for assuming roles of the other gender in make-believe or fantasy play
Strong preferences for wearing clothing typically associated with the other gender and rejection of clothing associated with one’s own gender
In adulthood, what may individuals do to resolve their distress around their gender identity?
Surgery, hormone/testosterone therapy, changes in attire/physical appearance, etc.
What are some of the circumstances thought to impact assigning this diagnosis and what role does going through gender reassignment play (especially if a patient opts to not go through such procedures).
Assigning this diagnosis is also a challenge, some clinicians believe that once an individual has completed a full transition to one’s preferred gender/identity, GD diagnosis is removed.
- Individuals applying for gender reassignment/confirmation surgery usually require to a diagnosis of GD, or else procedure will not be approved.
- Some do not desire to go through the medical/surgical process for various reasons, so what then happens with this diagnosis?
Why is the term gender dysphoria thought to influence negative perceptions towards members of the transgender, non-binary, and gender-queer/non-conforming community?
Still criticized for giving a label to transgender individuals, and implicitly assumes that there is emotional discomfort within transgender population.
What are some of the post-complications associated with gender reassignment surgery?
Postoperative adjustment more favorable for female-to-male.
Male-to-female surgery is generally more successful (vaginoplasty), but recovery can be a struggle (frequent lubrication of constructed vagina, long-term urination issues).
What are the general categories associated with issues of sexual interest, arousal, and/or response?
Lifelong – have existed for the person’s lifetime.
Acquired – begin following period of normal function.
Situational – occur only in some situations.
Generalized – occur in all situations and every time person engages in sexual activity.
Why is it important to rule-out the influence of possible medical/physical issues as well as personal distress?
It is important to rule-out the influence of possible medical/physical issues as well as personal distress because once those are ruled-out there is no other explanation for the person’s issues besides it being an abnormality.
Why should such factors as stimulation and age be considered when assessing for sexual dysfunction?
For ED and female orgasmic disorder, must consider if issue is a lack of effective stimulation. For ED, must take into consideration increase in age, as most males struggle to maintain erection for prolonged periods of time.
Biological issues that may impact issues with sexual performance
Biological factors can dampen sexual desire and reduce responsiveness:
- Decline in testosterone
- Cardiovascular problems
- Health issues such as obesity
- Vascular or nervous disorders
- Prescription medications, psychoactive drug use, and alcohol use
What sociocultural factors may contribute to sexual dysfunctions, especially those related to personal/religious beliefs and “misconceptions” regarding one’s ability to perform adequately?
Stereotypical attitudes toward sexuality
- Pleasure is “exclusive to males”.
- Sense of duty for women.
- Only be performed for the sake of procreation (i.e., having children).
Sociocultural beliefs and sexual taboos
- Sexual anxieties may transform negative expectations into self-fulfilling prophecies
Negative beliefs about sexuality
- Sex is inappropriate for adults past childbearing age.
