Gender dysphoria.

Gender dysphoria is a condition where a person feels that they are trapped within a body of the wrong sex. The condition is also sometimes known as:

•gender identity disorder
•gender incongruence
•transgenderism
People who have long-lasting and extreme gender dysphoria are known as transsexuals.

A person with gender dysphoria may:

•experience anxiety, uncertainty and persistently uncomfortable feelings about the gender that they were born with
•believe that their gender identity is different from their anatomical sex (for example, a man with gender dysphoria will feel that he is a female even though he was born with a male body)
Early symptoms
The symptoms of gender dysphoria usually begin to appear at a very young age. For example, a child may refuse to wear typical boys' or girls' clothes, or dislike taking part in typical boys' or girls' games and activities.

In most cases, this type of behaviour is just a normal part of growing up, but in cases of gender dysphoria, it persists into later childhood and through to adulthood.

The exact cause of gender dysphoria is unknown. It is currently classed as a psychiatric condition (relating to the mind), but many recent studies have suggested that it is more to do with biological development (relating to the body). Research into what causes gender dysphoria is ongoing.

How common is gender dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria is rare, but the number of people being diagnosed with it is increasing due to growing public awareness about the condition.

However, although awareness has increased over recent years, many people with gender dysphoria still face prejudice and misunderstanding about their condition.

In the UK, it is estimated that 1 in 4,000 people is receiving medical help for gender dysphoria. However, there may be many more people with the condition who have yet to seek help. On average, men are diagnosed with gender dysphoria five times more often than women.

Outlook
Treatment for gender dysphoria aims to help people become content with their gender identity. This can mean different things for different people. For example, for some people it can mean dressing and living as their preferred gender. For others it can mean taking hormones that change their physical appearance. Most transsexuals seek to have surgery to permanently alter their biological sex.

In 2004, the Gender Recognition Act was passed. It states that transsexuals and people with gender dysphoria can:

•marry in their preferred gender
•obtain legal documentation stating their preferred gender, including a new birth certificate and passport.