Gender Dysphoria

• What is gender dysphoria?

  A mismatch between biological sex and gender identity
• How do individuals with gender dysphoria identify?

  They do not identify as their sex at birth
• Why is gender dysphoria recognized as a psychological disorder?

  It causes stress and discomfort for individuals
• What does DSM-5 exclude in its categorization of gender dysphoria?

  Intersex conditions with a biological basis
• What is the brain sex theory related to gender dysphoria?

  It suggests brain structure influences gender identity
• What is the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST)?

  A brain structure involved in emotional responses
• How does the BST differ in transgender females?

  It is found to be female-sized
• What does the BST size suggest about individuals with gender dysphoria?

  They may have a BST size matching their gender identity
• What percentage of variance in gender dysphoria did Coolidge et al. (2002) find to be genetic?

  62%
• What did Heylens et al. (2012) find regarding MZ and DZ twins?

  MZ twins showed concordance for gender dysphoria
• What does social constructionism argue about gender identity?

  It is invented by societies, not biological
• How does society contribute to gender dysphoria according to social constructionism?

  It forces individuals to choose a gender
• What condition does Martha McClintock (2015) discuss in relation to gender identity?

  5-alpha-reductase deficiency
• How are individuals with 5-alpha-reductase deficiency categorized in the Sambia culture?

  Some are categorized as girls at birth
• What happens to biological males with 5-alpha-reductase deficiency at puberty?

  Their genitals change due to testosterone
• What do Ovesey and Person (1973) suggest causes gender dysphoria in biological males?

  Extreme separation anxiety before gender identity is established
• What is the consequence of the separation anxiety according to Ovesey and Person?

  The boy adopts a woman's gender identity
• What did Robert Stoller (1973) find in interviews with GD biological males?

  They displayed overly close relationships with mothers
• What are some signs of gender dysphoria?

  • Low self-esteem
  • Social withdrawal or isolation
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Taking unnecessary risks
  • Neglecting self-care
• How might children show signs of gender dysphoria?

  By showing interest in opposite gender's clothes or toys
• What does it mean if a child shows gender nonconforming behavior?

  It does not necessarily indicate gender dysphoria
• What can happen to children experiencing gender dysphoria as they approach puberty?

  They may feel their physical appearance mismatches their identity
• What might some individuals desire as adults regarding their physical appearance?

  To change parts of their physical appearance