Defining Gender Identity
Gender is a spectrum and everyone possesses a blend of traits that are generally deemed as ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’. No one is purely one, they include a combination or a mix of different qualities that lie somewhere on the spectrum.
Gender identity is your internal sense of gender, which can be man, woman, neither, or somewhere in between. Some examples include:
Cisgender: Someone whose internal gender aligns with their biological sex
Transgender: Someone whose gender identity differs from their biological sex
Agender: Someone who doesn’t identify as any gender
Gender-fluid: Someone whose gender changes over time
What Is Gender Dysphoria?
Most people identify as ‘Male’ or ‘Female’ but some people feel their gender is different from their biological sex assigned at birth. When this feeling becomes a cause of distress for a person, it is called ‘Gender Dysphoria’. In older clinical language, you may also come across the term Gender Identity Disorder, although today Gender Dysphoria is the more appropriate and widely used term.
Causes of Gender Dysphoria
The causes of Gender Dysphoria are unknown, however, research indicates that there may be some correlation between Gender Dysphoria and exposure to certain chemicals during the prenatal stage. Studies have also found an increased prevalence of Gender Dysphoria among twins, which may indicate a genetic link.
Because this can also affect emotional well-being, a psychologist in Delhi may help you work through the distress, confusion, or social pressure that can arise around identity. For many people, the treatment of gender dysphoria focuses less on changing identity and more on reducing distress and improving emotional well-being.