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Gender And : Gender Identity Disorder

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Gender Dysphoria, formerly known as Gender Identity Disorder, is described by the DSM-IV as a persistent and strong cross-gender identification and a persistent unease with ones sex. However, gender identity is not diagnosed as such if it is comorbid with a physical intersex condition. Gender dysphoria is not to be confused with sexual orientation, as people with gender dysphoria could be attracted to men, women, or both. According to an article written by, Australasian Sciences there are four very specific pieces of criteria that an individual needs to fulfilled in order to be considered afflicted with gender dysphoria. There must be strong and persistent evidence cross gender identification. However, this cross gender identification can not be determinant by any perceived cultural advantages of being the opposite gender. The sole purpose of opposite gender identification must be an uneasiness or uncomfortableness in one’s birth gender. A viable diagnosis can not be made if gender dysphoria is comorbid with physical intersex condition. Lastly, there must be evidence of significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. Early research in regards to gender dysphoria, is primarily rooted in psychological causality. Some of these main causes were thought to be solely dysfunctional family dynamics or a traumatic childhood. However, as research continued there was little evidence found to uphold this theory. According to Cindy Meston, Ph.D. & Penny

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