What Is Gender Dysphoria?
We at Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness understand gender dysphoria as the psychological distress experienced when one’s gender identity differs from their birth-assigned sex.
For example, a person assigned female at birth might begin to identify as male early on. That mismatch often grows more intense during puberty, when hormonal changes draw attention to the difference between one’s body and true gender feelings. This conflict can affect friendships, emotional well-being, and daily life.
Older editions of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) once called this “Gender Identity Disorder,” but the DSM-5 updated the term to “Gender Dysphoria.” This shift makes clear that it isn’t a person’s identity that’s disordered, but the distress that happens when identity and societal expectations don’t match.
Not every transgender or non-binary person experiences gender dysphoria. Many live comfortably without discomfort. For those who do, Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness offers virtual, compassionate support to guide individuals through evaluation and treatment.
Gender Dysphoria in Children and Teens
Children can show signs of gender dysphoria as early as two or three years old—often through preferences for clothing, roles, or toys tied to another gender. According to Cedars-Sinai research, 73% of transgender women and 78% of transgender men reported dysphoria by age seven (Cedars-Sinai study).
As teens grow, these feelings often become more pronounced. The physical changes of puberty can trigger anxiety or low mood, making family support and professional guidance essential.
In the teenage years, many experience heightened distress. Hormonal shifts may deepen unease, so encouragement from loved ones and access to mental health care are especially important.
Even if it didn’t appear early on, gender dysphoria can emerge in adulthood. Many pursue gender-affirming care such as hormone therapy or surgical options.
According to the DSM-5, common indicators include:
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An intense desire to be acknowledged as a gender other than one’s own
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A discomfort with one’s primary or secondary sex traits
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Distress related to innate or additional sex characteristics
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A yearning for the physical features of another gender
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Social and emotional challenges stemming from gender mismatch
Diagnosing Gender Dysphoria
Diagnosis typically comes from a mental health specialist through interviews, psychological assessments, and medical reviews. At Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness, our telehealth evaluations follow professional guidelines for gender-affirming care.
Our psychiatric providers perform in-depth clinical interviews, psychological testing, and medical screenings. At Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness, we deliver telehealth assessments that meet the highest standards for gender-affirming practices.
Home assessments or online quizzes can’t replace a formal evaluation. True accuracy and compassionate guidance require a qualified psychiatric professional.
Research is ongoing, but potential contributing factors include:
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Though studies remain underway, potential contributing factors include: Neurobiological findings point to structural brain differences that may influence gender identity (Roselli, 2018).
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Psychological: Family interactions, early social experiences, and individual history may all play a role.
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Family relationships, early social connections, and personal experiences can influence gender identity. Cultural expectations and peer pressures can intensify feelings of dysphoria.
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Cultural expectations, social norms and peer pressure can significantly heighten dysphoria.
At Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness, our psychiatric services deliver tailored support for people experiencing gender dysphoria, helping to ease distress and cultivate a stronger sense of self. Through expert telehealth visits, clients receive individualized advice on exploring their gender identity, strategies for managing dysphoric emotions, and thorough hormone therapy evaluations. Our care model not only addresses the emotional impact of incongruence but also equips individuals with practical tools to navigate social, work, and relationship challenges. By combining evidence-based therapy with compassionate, affirming care, Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness empowers everyone to live more authentically and confidently.
Our experienced psychiatric specialists are here to support you.
Whether you’re in the middle of a transition or just seeking additional support, Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness is here to guide you every step of the way. Book your appointment today and get the care you deserve.