A condition involving marked incongruence between one’s experienced or expressed gender and assigned gender, associated with clinically significant distress.

Overview

Gender dysphoria involves a marked incongruence between an individual’s experienced or expressed gender and their assigned gender at birth, lasting at least six months and associated with clinically significant distress or impairment.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include distress related to the mismatch between one’s gender identity and physical characteristics, a strong desire to be treated as one’s experienced gender, and distress that impacts daily functioning. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause is not fully understood. Biological, developmental, and social factors are thought to contribute in varying ways for different individuals.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.

Psychotherapy

Supportive, gender-affirming psychotherapy can help address distress and support decision-making about social, medical, or other steps.

Medication

Hormone therapy may be considered for some individuals as part of a broader, individualized care plan developed with qualified medical providers. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.

Living With Gender Dysphoria

Access to supportive social environments and knowledgeable healthcare providers is associated with improved wellbeing.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.

Emergency Situations

If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.

Outlook

Many individuals experience significant reduction in distress with access to appropriate, individualized supportive care.

Medical Information Disclaimer

References

• American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
• National Institute of Mental Health.
• World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.