Do I Have Gender Dysphoria?

Do you experience a noticeable incongruence between your expressed gender and primary/secondary sex characteristics, for at least 6 months’ duration?

Do you experience a strong wish to get rid of your primary or secondary sex characteristics because of incongruence with your expressed gender, for at least 6 months’ duration?

Do you experience a strong desire for the primary or secondary sex characteristics of the other gender, for at least 6 months’ duration?

Do you experience a strong desire to be of the other gender (or some alternative gender different from your assigned gender), for at least 6 months’ duration?

Do you experience a strong desire to be treated as the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one’s assigned gender), for at least 6 months’ duration?

Do you have a strong conviction that you have the typical feelings of the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one’s assigned gender), for at least 6 months’ duration?

Does your condition cause impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning?

Based on your answers, you would probably not be diagnosed with gender dysphoria. The core component of the diagnosis is a marked incongruence between the gender you have been assigned to and your experienced or expressed gender. Additionally, you must feel distressed about this incongruence. If you suffer from these symptoms, it may be wise to contact your doctor to understand your condition.

Based on your answers, it may be useful to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Don’t fear stigma, it is important to seek help if you are not sure about your situation. It may be useful and more comfortable to ask help from a professional who has expertise in the care of transgender individuals.

Based on your answers, you may be diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Suffering from this illness can have many consequences such as children or adolescents not going to school out of fear of being teased. Gender dysphoria can cause impairment also at work and relationship problems occur often. People may feel anxious or depressed. Generally, there are two types of treatment, namely medical treatment and behavioral health treatment. Medical treatment includes hormone therapy or surgery. Behavioral health treatment is about improving your quality of life and to find ways to less gender dysphoria. It’s about getting comfortable with your gender identity expression, without changing it.