Do you have questions about the symptoms and types of trauma or how you can recover from a trauma? Contact us to receive personal advice and to explore treatment options at iPractice. Or read more about when to consult a psychologist and how to match with a psychologist.
Gender Dysphoria
A gender: we are all assigned one at birth. But maybe the gender you were born with doesn’t feel quite right. It doesn’t fit you. You wish to be of the opposite gender. Or you don’t identify at all with the binary genders of male or female. When your birth gender doesn’t match who you are, we call this gender dysphoria.
What is gender dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria occurs when you are not satisfied with the gender you were born and raised with. You may have been born in a male body but feel like a woman. Or vice versa: you were born in a female body but feel like a man. It is also possible that you don’t identify with either gender, which is called non-binary.
With gender dysphoria, your personal experience of yourself and the gender you assign to yourself (gender identity) does not match the gender you were born with.
In what ways can you experience dissatisfaction if you have gender dysphoric feelings?
If you feel that your gender does not align with your birth gender, you may experience dissatisfaction in various areas.
For example, you may be bothered by your:
- Gender.
- Voice.
- Body shape.
- Body hair.
What are the characteristics of gender dysphoria?
Everyone’s experience is personal and different, just as it is for cisgender men and women. Not every characteristic applies to every transgender person. However, there are several common characteristics.
Characteristics of gender dysphoria in children and adolescents:
- A child has a strong desire to be of the opposite gender.
- A gender-dysphoric child often prefers to wear only clothing typically associated with the desired gender.
- During role-playing, a gender-dysphoric child prefers to play as someone of the desired gender.
- A gender-dysphoric child has a strong preference for toys or activities stereotypically associated with the opposite gender.
- Friendships are often formed with peers of the desired gender.
- Children may feel discomfort with their own physical sex characteristics and wish to have those of the other gender.
Characteristics of gender dysphoria later in life
Young adults with gender dysphoria may experience:
- A strong urge to be of a different gender than their birth gender.
- A strong aversion to their own physical sex characteristics and a desire to have different ones.
- The desire to be treated as another gender.
How is the diagnosis made?
If you feel that your birth gender does not suit you, your general practitioner will refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist from a gender team. Through assessments, conversations, and questionnaires, the psychiatrist or psychologist examines your situation. You will also discuss possible treatments and which one suits you best.
Since this is a highly precise process and feels different for everyone, ample time is taken. Once the psychiatrists and psychologists have gathered enough information, they discuss it in a multidisciplinary team. This is followed by a consultation where the diagnosis and treatment options are discussed.
What causes gender dysphoria?
There are indications that a disrupted hormone balance during pregnancy plays a role in the development of gender dysphoria. There are also suggestions that its origin lies in DNA. However, the exact cause of gender dysphoria remains unknown.
How does gender dysphoria affect daily life?
Gender dysphoria can significantly impact your mental well-being. This often relates to how others perceive and respond to gender differences and roles. For example, transgender or non-binary people experience the following situations:
- You feel like you don’t belong anywhere.
- You often feel misunderstood.
- You can feel lonely.
- You think you are worth less than others or don’t accept yourself as you are.
- You find it difficult to make connections and build friendships.
- You can develop mood disorders and anxiety.
- You may experience intimacy as difficult.
- Your identity development follows a different path.
Additional information on gender dysphoria
Would you like to read more about gender dysphoria or connect with peers? Check out the links below for more information:
Specifically for young people:
Help
Do you have questions about the treatment of gender dysphoria? Or are you unsure about when to see a psychologist?
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Or read more information about our approach and how exactly the intake and treatment process works at iPractice. iPractice is located in 10 major cities.
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Most health insurers cover the costs with a referral letter from your GP and when the official diagnosis of gender dysphoria has been established.
FAQ
How do I know if my feelings match gender dysphoria?
If you consistently feel uncomfortable with the gender you were assigned at birth, or if how others perceive you feels wrong, this can indicate gender dysphoria. Doubt is allowed — you don’t have to have all the answers right away.
What if I’m not ready for a transition but still want help?
Help doesn’t have to be about transitioning. At iPractice, there’s room to explore your feelings without pressure to make decisions or change. We support your process at your own pace.
Can I experience gender dysphoria without wanting medical transition?
Yes. Gender dysphoria is about the feeling of mismatch between your experience and your body or surroundings — not necessarily about a desire to change your body. Feelings can be intense even without a wish for medical transition.
How does iPractice approach gender identity in treatment?
We work person-centered, not label-centered. You are seen as a whole person, not “a case.” We listen, ask thoughtful questions, and respect what matters to you in how you experience and express yourself.
Sources
[1] Transgender info
