Disorders of gender identity

Abstract

SummaryGender identity disorders are not common. The most frequent is dual-role transvestism, but it rarely needs medical attention. The least frequent is transsexualism. Transsexualism is not usually indicative of serious psychopathology. Diagnoses should be made by a gender identity clinic and never by the patient, and a clear change of gender role should precede any hormone treatment. Patients must have lived and thrived entirely in their new gender role for at least 2 years before any genital surgery is undertaken. However, bilateral mastectomy might be considered for females after a year of life in a male role. With these selection criteria, the outcomes of surgery are generally good. In the UK, individuals may legally change their recorded sex, usually after gender reassignment treatment.