Gender Dysphoria Flashcards
What is Gender Dysphoria
When a person experiences significant distress as a result of difficulties with his/her sex identity
In India, what does the term “Hijra” refer to
people considered to be a third gender (having traits of both female and male)
When does gender dysphoria usually begin
In childhood
Is gender dysphoria more common in men or woman?
Men
In 1973, what was dropped from the DSM listing of psychological disorders
Homosexuality
What are 3 problems with being labeled “Homosexual” (as opposed to gay or lesbian)
1) It was historically associated with concepts of deviance and mental illness
2) It is often referred to men only
3) Isn’t clear if it is referring to sexual behaviour or orientation
What do Psychodynamic Theorists believe is the cause of gender dysphoria
close mother to son relationships, parents w/ empty relationships, and absent fathers are the cause of males being more female like
girls with weak mothers and strong masculine fathers are more likely to have male characteristics
What do Learning Theorists believe is the cause of gender dysphoria
fathers who are absent for boys have an effect (similar to psychodynamic perspective).
Also parents who wanted the opposite gender and treat their child as the gender they wanted
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health developed guidelines for the treatment of individuals with gender dysphoria. What are the recommended treatments
Hormone therapy
Real life experience (living as the identified gender)
Sex re-assignment therapy
Psychotherapy
What are individuals with sex reassignment surgery able to do and not do
They can engage in sex and even orgasm, but cannot conceive since they don’t have the needed reproductive organs
What is the best way to treat gender dysphoria in children
Supporting them and allowing them to socially transition (lower rates of depression and anxiety)
