Can you cure gender dysphoria?

Gender dysphoria is a condition where an individual experiences a mismatch between their gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth. It can cause significant distress, resulting in negative impacts on mental health, social relationships and personal well-being. Gender dysphoria is highly prevalent globally, affecting people of all ages or backgrounds.

Although there are numerous treatments for gender dysphoria that can ease physical discomforts associated with the disorder, many individuals suffering from it ask whether it’s curable. In this article, we’ll find if it is possible to cure gender identity disorders using different forms of treatment.

Understanding Gender Dysphoria

Gender Dysphoria affects around 1% of adults worldwide (source: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gender-dysphoria/what-is-gender-dysphoric-disorder). There are no known causes; observational studies suggested various factors such as biological influences or environmental factors may cause this condition; however, most scientists believe that diverse genetic traits contribute immensely towards its development(source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25917361).

Individuals affected by Gender dysmorphia experience one primary feeling – their body resembles the wrong sex(source:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363#definition) Symptoms include but not limited to;

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Discomfort/dissatisfaction about your own looks;
• Negative reactions about presenting as male/female.

Mostly diagnosed during adolescence/ childhood stage when an individual feels like developing opposite secondary sex characteristics doesn’t align with them psychologically and leads to serious emotional problems (Source: Julia Steinberg MD, an adolescent medicine specialist based in Chapel Hill).

While some individuals overcome these symptoms naturally over time through self-acceptance or undergoing hormone replacement therapy(HRT), others require medical interventions, such as psychotherapy or surgeries, to ease the symptoms.

The short answer is no. There’s no known scientific method for curing gender dysmorphia; neither do we know what causes it. However, there are a variety of effective treatments available intended to alleviate the dangerous impacts by improving quality of life and reducing negative emotional reactions, including suicidal thoughts towards self (Source: World Health Organization)

Proponents involved in various treatments acknowledge that disorder will last forever however using different approaches individuals can manage their feelings and restore normalcy (source: https://www.lgbthealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/LGBTHealthIssues.pdf)

Types Of Treatments For Gender Dysphoria

Here are six of them commonly used.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy forms an integral part of the treatment plan for people encountering gender dysmorphia(American Psychological Association). It involves discussing areas that make unbearable distress with a licensed therapist equipped on how best to aid patients accordingly through an action-based therapy approach (cognitive-behavioral therapy [CBT]).

In CBT sessions designed explicitly for illness-related disorders, doctors typically employ exposure/re-attribution strategies aimed at reframing negative beliefs/ help set realistic expectations about one’s own body(source:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/treatment/)

Hormone Replacement Therapy(HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy refers to hormonal treatments meant improving secondary sex characteristics incongruent with gender identity during transition (source: National Institute of Mental Health-United States Department of health and social services CMS).

For women who have become diagnosed with Transgender sexuality may take testosterone supplements while men take estrogen supplements daily(Jutha Ruckriem, endocrinologist at Emory’s Multispecialty Clinic South Buckhead).

Research shows that HRT therapy helps manage psychological distress that comes with gender dysphoria, alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms while increasing the individual’s physical wellbeing.(source:nhs.uk)

Surgery

Surgical operations involve changing one’s’ primary sex characteristics in alignment with their gender identity.

Top surgeries like removal of breasts among males enhances chances of passing as a male; likewise augmentation for females

For genital surgery options patients undergo extensive medical exams recommended/ go through counselling sessions to determine if given choice is ideal.l

Social Transitioning

Social transitioning involves taking deliberate steps towards conforming an individual’s outward appearance by attuning them with their own Gender Identity e.g dressing up accordingly ,using pronouns appropriate to one’s self since it makes individuals feel more comfortable in their state (REFERENCE HERE).

Transitioning indeed tends to affect relationships & some instances viewed negatively by society however supportive groups exist catering towards issues related directly to trans-people easing the socialization process (reference here: Community Health Centers).

Supportive care

It’s meant for people not seeking surgical interventions although experiencing slight discomforts associated significantly about mild distress expressing themselves rather than identifying entirely within a single binary. –

Supportive healthcare providers give comprehensive assessments based on individual cases aimed at providing people help understand fully means available alongside guiding support services throughout transition periods (Dr Moore Zuebright, Obstetrics & gynecologist specialist Moffitt Women`s culture center).

Are alternative treatments available?

Alternatives methods can be employed but possess little evidence verifying effectiveness hence potentially being unsafe or ineffective ways of treating disorders primarily surrounding gender disorientation .Some methods that have been tried include:

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Counseling
  These phrases signify unconventional forms whose implementation may bring life-threatening effects over time.

In Conclusion,

Gender Dysmorphia provides significant emotional distress and negative impact resulting from differing experiences when dealing with hormone treatment integrated into daily life frequently often met with resistance. It is not a disease but rather a natural expression of how one sees themselves.

Therefore, in summary, there’s no cure for gender dysphoria as it isn’t viewed as an illness but rather- an authentic reflection of the individuals’ true self.(SOURCE?) However; Effectual treatments like hormone replacement therapy and other medical interventions seem promising towards improving the quality of life while managing psychological distress.significant steps could also be made through supportive care aimed at providing support throughout transition periods turning to groups related to trans people easing socialization process .