The Signs of Gender Identity Disorder

It's no secret that the difficulty in determining which gender and sex you are is nearly nonexistent. However, knowing whether you are happy in your own skin as the gender you were born as is a totally different question. Prior to the 20^th century, a person's sex would solely be decided on the genitalia and the individual would simply be labeled as a male or a female. However, though a physical vagina or penis may be present, an entirely different internal conflict may be brewing. A person suffering from gender identity disorder is defined as "an individual who identifies more strongly toward the opposing sex". This person may believe, in fact, they belong to the opposite sex and are simply stuck in the wrong body. In turn, serious issues with their biological sexual orientation often arise. The severe emotional and mental side effects attached to gender identity disorder frequently affects the person in social settings, school, and/or work. Keep in mind, however, that this disorder differs completely from transvestic fetishism or transvestism where an individual is a cross dresser simply pleasure and holds no close identification with the opposite sex.

What steps are taken to diagnose gender identity disorder?

In order to diagnose an individual with gender identity disorder, the patient/client undergoes a test by a mental health professional. Additionally, a laboratory test may be required to properly diagnosis gender identity disorder. However, it is crucial to notice a physical illness that may copy or assist in the development of a psychological disorder. If any questions of the individual having a physical problem, the mental health professional generally recommends a physical examination conducted by a medical conductor.

More times than not, individuals suffering from gender identity disorder stress they were not born the correct sex, referring to their own sexual reproductive organs as "ugly". It is common that a person with gender identity disorder may refuse to touch his/her genitalia. Moreover, individuals with gender identity disorder may try to hide their secondary sexual characteristics. For example, females may attempt to hide their breasts by binding them near her chest wall. Males may attempt to pluck or shave off their body hair and may also take female hormones in an attempt to enlarge their breasts.

What are common characteristics that may indicate sexual identity disorder?

There are many common characteristics that may indicate sexual identity disorder. Males suffering from gender identity disorder generally prefer dressing in female clothing. More than not, they frequently try to elude competitive sports. They also may hold little to no interest in tumble and rough games. Frequently, males with gender identity disorder would rather play with females as opposed to having male playmates. When playing a game, males may fancy acting as a female figure, such as a princess or mother. It is common that boys with gender identity disorder may act like they do not have a penis; they no longer want it and wish for it be removed, and wish for a vagina.

Females with gender identity disorder may act in a masculine fashion and prefer wearing male clothing. Similar to males with gender identity disorder, females often seek the company of males as playmates and fancy "rough" sports such as football and baseball. Females who have gender identity disorder crave growing a penis and do not look positively upon developing breasts and/or menstruating.

Adults suffering from this disorder sometimes seek to live their lives as a member of the opposing sex. It's common for them to feel uncomfortable living in the world in their own skin. They frequently would rather be seen in public as a member of the opposite sex and commonly cross dress. Numerous individuals request a sex-change surgery.

Which gender is gender identity disorder more commonly diagnosed, if any?

The disorder gender identity disorder is more common in males than females.

What is the average age that gender identity disorder appears?

Gender identity disorder can be discovered even in early childhood. There is no definite age. However, most individuals know whether or not they have a gender identity issue by the time adolescence is reached.

What generally happens to an individual diagnosed with gender identity disorder?

The disorder tends to become chronic if the disorder continues into adolescence. However, remission periods may be experienced.