Our first D word is dysphoria, specifically gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is a psychological diagnosis
for people with a strong discontent and distress over the gender they were born
as. Gender dysphoria was previously named
gender identity disorder, but was changed when that name was considered
stigmatizing. Some transgender activists
believe any diagnosis is stigmatizing and makes gender variance a pathology. Getting rid of a diagnosis is also
problematic. The medical system requires
a diagnosis before any insurance is paid out for treatment (many insurance
companies still do not cover gender confirmation surgeries, considering them merely cosmetic).
There is strong evidence that gender dysphoria has a
biological basis. Twin studies have
shown that dysphoria is 62% inheritable, suggesting a genetic root. Studies have also shown transwomen are genetically
less sensitive to testosterone then cisgender men. Their hypothalamus also responds like a
cisgender women. Autopsies have shown
transgender people have many brain structures resembling the gender they
identify as. Studies have also shown
transgender people’s brains react to the pheromone androstadienone like the
gender they identify as.
Some transgender activist and doctors argue that gender dysphoria
is not in itself a disorder. The
distress, they argue, is not caused by their gender identity, but from the intense
harassment, discrimination and abuse they face.
In the previous DSM IV intersex people by definition could
not have gender identity disorder, it was actually a disqualifying factor. Now in the updated DSM V gender identity
disorder is called gender dysphoria. Intersex
people also get a diagnosis of disorders of sexual development (DSD, more about
this in my next post). People with DSD
are now, by definition, able to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria. While I hate the term DSD, I do feel that
since many intersex people do change sexes, giving them a diagnosis of
dysphoria, while stigmatizing, is more accurate.
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