As a parent, it is difficult to watch your child struggle through issues that create pain and conflict. The challenge is even greater when they face something you have not experienced and have no idea how to guide them through. Gender dysphoria in children is one of those issues.
What to Know About Gender Dysphoria in Children
A child that experiences gender dysphoria will feel uncomfortable at being treated as the gender they were assigned at birth. They may feel trapped and suffer from anxiety and depression. Children who experience gender dysphoria have an elevated risk of suicide and self-injury.
Gender dysphoria does not necessarily mean a child is transgender. Gender dysphoria is when the child experiences a severe mismatch between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth. This can have profound social, emotional and development issues. Some children may also experience social isolation from their peers, anxiety, loneliness, and depression.
Gender dysphoria is diagnosed when the distress or discomfort of the individual experience that affects their quality of life for a period of six months or more. They must feel there is a difference between their assigned and their preferred gender and wish to be treated as their preferred gender. Sexual development conditions, including intersex, are ruled out when making the diagnosis.
While many children can go on to be happy and content in their sex assigned at birth, the condition can progressively get worse for some children which is why it should be addressed early on for the best possible treatments. Treatments are highly individualized and is approached with consent from all those involved.
If you believe your child could benefit from talking to someone about their gender dysphoria, contact The International Center for Transgender Care at
thetranscenter.com
As the destination of choice for individuals experiencing gender issues, they can provide the support needed.
