Aligning Bodies with Minds: The Case for Medical and Surgical Treatment of Gender Dysphoria

Abstract

The author, a cardiologist, uses a model from cardiology to illustrate the phenomenon of a condition diagnosed by subjective symptoms, treated in the absence of identifiable "objective criteria" with relative success, with implications for the identification and management of Gender Incongruence (currently called Gender Identity Disorder). She advocates for the repositioning of this diagnosis in the medical realm rather than the psychiatric realm as part of the potential de-stigmatization of the condition. She further notes the current position of the American Medical Association confirming that appropriate medical and surgical treatment is effective in treating this condition.

Suicide and Suicide Risk in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations: Review and Recommendations

“…In advance of the publication of a fifth edition of the DSM in 2013, many are calling for the removal of these diagnoses. Some fear, however, that removing GID as a recognized condition that can lead to significant distress may result in the denial of insurance coverage for expensive health care services related to transitioning, leaving many transgender individuals without needed care A number of compromise positions have been put forth, including changing the term Gender Identity Disorder to Gender Incongruence or Gender Dysphoria, and repositioning the condition in the medical rather than psychiatric realm to reduce stigma and assure access to care (Allison, 2010; Winters & Ehrbar, 2010). …”

What Is Gender Dysphoria? A Critical Systematic Narrative Review

“… 53 , 54 In most cases, this is to alleviate the pressure of living a gender that they were not assigned at birth. 55 , 56 The empirical basis for treatment options and long-term outcomes with regard to intersex patient preferences are insufficient. 57 Nonetheless, continuing to describe all trans and intersex people as “gender dysphoric” long after treatment is inconsistent with the claims about the suitability and effectiveness of treatments received by trans (and intersex) people that were made within the very same articles.…”