Gender dysphoria is not considered a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the standard diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals in the United States. Instead, it is classified as a “condition related to sexual health.”

The DSM-5 defines gender dysphoria as “a marked incongruence between a person’s expressed gender and the gender they were assigned at birth.” This incongruence can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as:
⦁ Distress or discomfort with one’s assigned sex
⦁ A strong desire to be of a different gender
⦁ A strong desire to have the physical characteristics of a different gender
⦁ A strong desire to be treated as a different gender

Gender dysphoria can be a difficult condition to live with, but it is not a mental illness. In fact, many transgender people who experience gender dysphoria report that their mental health improves after they transition to the gender they identify with.

If you are experiencing gender dysphoria, it is important to talk to a mental health professional. They can help you understand your condition and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Treatment for gender dysphoria may include therapy, hormone therapy, or surgery.

Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
⦁ The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
⦁ Trans Lifeline: https://www.translifeline.org/
⦁ GLAAD: https://www.glaad.org/
⦁ Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/

⦁ Gender dysphoria is not considered a mental disorder in and of itself. However, it is recognized as a medical condition and is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is a widely used diagnostic reference manual for mental health professionals. Gender dysphoria refers to the distress or discomfort a person experiences due to a discrepancy between their gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth.

⦁ It is important to distinguish between gender dysphoria and being transgender. Being transgender is a valid and legitimate identity that encompasses individuals whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender dysphoria, on the other hand, refers to the distress that may arise as a result of this incongruence. Many transgender individuals experience gender dysphoria, but not all do.

⦁ The classification of gender dysphoria in the DSM-5 aims to ensure that transgender individuals have access to necessary medical and mental health support, including hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgeries, and counseling. The goal of treatment is to alleviate the distress associated with gender dysphoria and support individuals in living authentic lives consistent with their gender identity.