A disorder characterized by a strong and persistent identification with the opposite sex (cross-gender identification) and discomfort with one’s assigned sex or a sense of inappropriateness in that gender role. Although onset is usually in childhood or adolescence, the disorder may not present clinically until adulthood. Manifestations include a repeated desire to be of the opposite sex, insistence that one has the typical feelings and reactions of the opposite sex, a belief that one was born the wrong sex, and preoccupation with one’s primary and secondary sex characteristics in order to simulate the opposite sex.
The expression of distaste and disgust for one’s own genetic sex and a preference for and strong identification with the other sex.
A condition in which someone experiences strong discomfort with his or her birth gender.
Gender identity disorder (GID) represents a profound disturbance in a child or adolescent’s individual sense of identity with regard to maleness or femaleness (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Children with GID feel as though they have been born as the wrong gender and express a strong desire to be the opposite gender. This feeling may be expressed in many ways, such as dressing as the opposite sex, discomfort with same-sex peers, and verbal statements of dissatisfaction with gender to a marked degree, accompanied by distress. Onset is usually between the ages of 2 and 4 years. Only a very small number of these children will later meet the adolescent and adult criteria for the disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 1994).
Acting and presenting oneself as a member of the opposite sex, combined with strong feelings of discomfort in one’s own physical gender, for a period of at least 2 years. This rare disorder appears in both children and adults.
A disorder marked by a strong cross-gender identification and a persistent discomfort with one’s biologically assigned sex. Generally, adults with the disorder are preoccupied with the wish to live as a member of the other sex. This often impairs social, occupational, or other types of functioning.