Psychology has been riddled with controversial debates, for year; some of which have been solved, others which remain in a psychological purgatory. Are children active contributors or passive recipients of their own development? Is life filled with a series of abrupt changes or a gradual development? Is nature or nurture the main cause for a individual’s personal and mental development? All these questions have established an inter-psychological debate, but no question has received the external contribution, such as, is gender identity disorder an actual psychological disorder? Is it the negative stigma the word disorder conveys, or is it the actual idea that the physical is battling the mental? Either way, the mental state lies within several different “symptoms”.

1. A strong disinterest and discomfort with the sexuality one was born into.

2. A strong interest and comfort in the idea of the other gender.

3. A significant uncomfortable nature within a social or occupational areas of functioning.

4. As commonly believed, it is not gender identity disorder, if the individual is interested in both genders.

Several individuals who wish to change their gender, are given an intricate psychological test, along with several sessions in therapy. This practice is used, in order, to properly make sure that the individual is ready to handle the emotional and mental strain, that will come with the surgery. On the other hand, not every individual requests a surgery, some are just interested in establishing a deep understanding of the opposite gender, without any psychical changes. In this case, there is no mandatory psychological tests or sessions. Although there is no specific treatment or cause of the “disorder”, it is important to at least speak with a mental health professional, if you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms.

Friday 4 December 2009