Gender identity disorder

Alternative names:

transsexualism

Symptoms:

Children:

• express the desire to be the opposite sex
• have disgust with their own genitals
• believed as children that they will grow up to become the opposite sex
• are rejected by their peer group, feel isolated
• have depression
• have anxiety

Adults:

• desire to live as a person of the opposite sex
• wish to be rid of their own genitals
• dress in a way that is typical of the opposite sex
• have a sexual preference that may be heterosexual or homosexual
• have depression
• feel isolated
• have anxiety

Either adults or children:

• withdrawal from social interaction
• cross-dressing, clothing habits are typical of the opposite sex

Signs and tests:

A history and psychological examination confirms the persistent desire to be the opposite sex.