Gender Dysphoria
Disorder Chosen: Gender Dysphoria
One disorder related to sexuality and gender in the DSM-5 is Gender Dysphoria, which occurs when an individual experiences significant distress due to an incongruence between their experienced gender and the gender assigned at birth (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022). Both biological and environmental factors may contribute to this diagnosis. Biologically, research has suggested that genetics, prenatal hormone exposure, and brain structure differences may influence gender identity development. Environmentally, factors such as cultural norms, family rejection, bullying, or lack of social support can intensify distress and reinforce the dysphoria (Carroll, 2025).
Three common treatment interventions include psychotherapy, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgery. Psychotherapy, especially affirmative therapy, provides a supportive environment for clients to explore identity, manage distress, and strengthen coping skills. A strength is that it promotes self-understanding and resilience; however, a limitation is that therapy alone may not address biological aspects of dysphoria. Hormone therapy can help align an individual’s physical characteristics with their gender identity, reducing distress. Its strength is the significant improvement in well-being, though limitations include medical risks, side effects, and accessibility barriers. Gender-affirming surgeries can provide long-term physical alignment and relief from dysphoria. While a strength is the high satisfaction reported by many individuals, limitations include surgical risks, irreversibility, and financial or cultural barriers to access (APA, 2022).
The intervention I would be most likely to use is psychotherapy because it allows me, as a counselor, to provide ongoing support, empower clients, and affirm their identity in a safe space. While I cannot prescribe hormones or perform surgeries, I can collaborate with medical providers and advocate for clients’ needs. From a humanistic perspective, psychotherapy emphasizes the whole person, their strengths, and their lived experiences, which aligns with my counseling values.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). Author.
Carroll, J. L. (2025). Sexuality now: Embracing diversity (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.
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