Gender identity disorder is a conflict between the gender a person identifies as and the gender he or she was physically born with. For example, a person who identifies as a boy may actually feel and act like a girl. The person is very uncomfortable with the gender she was born with and often feels as if she is 'trapped in her own body.'

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Fitango Education
Health Topics
Gender Identity

2. 1
Overview
Gender identity disorder is a conflict between the
gender a person identifies as and the gender he or
she was physically born with. For example, a
person
who identifies as a boy may actually feel and act
like a girl. The person is

3. 2
Overview
very uncomfortable with the gender she was born
with and often feels as if she is 'trapped in her own
body.'

4. 3
Symptoms and Causes
People dealing with gender identity issues may act
or present themselves as members of the opposite
sex. Typically, how a person dresses and how they
act day-to-day are the most obvious symptoms of
gender identity disorder.
Though symptoms are different with each
individual, the typical symptoms include the
following:

5. 4
Symptoms and Causes
-- disgusted by their own genitals
-- rejected by their peers, feel alone
-- believe that they will grow up to become the
opposite sex
-- have depression or anxiety

6. 5
Symptoms and Causes
-- say that they want to be the opposite sex
-- dress like the opposite sex
-- wish to be rid of their own genitals
The disorder may also affect the choice of sexual
partners and the person's self-concept.

7. 6
Symptoms and Causes
Identity conflicts need to continue over extended
periods of time to be labeled gender identity
disorders. How the gender conflict occurs is
different for each individual. For example, some
people may dress in the other sex's clothes while
others might opt for sex-change surgery.

8. 7
Symptoms and Causes
People who are born with ambiguous
genitalia, which can raise questions about their
gender, are often highly likely to develop a gender
identity disorder.
The cause is unknown, but hormones in the
womb, genes, social and environmental factors
(like parenting) may be involved. Gender identity
disorder can happen at any point in a male or
female's life.

9. 8
Treament
Individual and family therapy is recommended for
children to create a
supportive environment at home and in school.
The goal of treatment for children is to make them
feel as comfortable in their own skin as possible.

10. 9
Treament
Individual and couples therapy is recommended
for adults. Sex reassignment
through surgery and hormonal therapy is also an
option, but identity
problems may continue even after treatment.

11. 10
Resources
-- 'It Gets Better' project
-- Young Men's Health gender identity resources
-- American Psychological Association: Answers to
Your Questions
-- Human Rights Campaign: Resources

12. 11
Resources
-- Gender Identity Support Group