What causes this.......??

Question

What causes gender identity disorder (GID)??.....and how can you get help??

I'm also a boy and 16 if that helps.

Answer 1

That's a very interesting question.


People with gender identity disorder act and present themselves as members of the opposite sex. The disorder may affect self-concept, choice of sexual partners and the display of femininity or masculinity through mannerisms, behavior and dress.

The feeling of being in the body of the "wrong" gender must persist for at least two years for this diagnosis to be made. The cause is unknown, but hormonal influences in the womb, genetics and environmental factors (such as parenting) are suspected to be involved. The disorder may occur in children or adults, and is rare.

There are no recent studies to provide data on prevalence of gender identity disorder. Data from some countries in Europe suggest that roughly 1 per 30,000 adult males and 1 per 100,000 adult females seek sex-reassignment surgery.

Onset of cross-gender interests and activities is usually between ages 2 and 4 years, and some parents report that their child has always had cross-gender interests. Only a very small number of children with gender identity disorder will continue to have symptoms that meet criteria for the disorder in later adolescence or adulthood. Typically, children are referred around the time of school entry because of parental concern that what they regarded as a phase does not appear to be passing.


Associated Features and Disorders of Gender Identity Disorder

Many individuals with gender identity disorder become socially isolated, whether by choice or through ostracization, which can contribute to low self-esteem and may lead to school aversion or even dropping out. Peer ostracism and teasing are especially common consequences for boys with the disorder.

Boys with gender identity disorder often show marked feminine mannerisms and speech patterns.

Adolescents are particularly at risk for depression and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts


Causes:

Although there are several different suspected inherited and environmental causes of GID, one's "core identity" is known to be permanently formed by early childhood -- between the ages of three to four years. Many years of experience have shown that therapy and medications cannot change one's gender identity. As a result, the current accepted treatment for GID is directed towards ways of helping one cope with this stress, and may include cross-gender hormones, part-time or full-time cross-living, supportive counseling and/or surgical reassignment.

Treatment:

Individual and family counseling is recommended for children, and individual or couples therapy is recommended for adults. Sex reassignment through surgery and hormonal therapy is an option, but severe problems may persist after this form of treatment. A better outcome is associated with the early diagnosis and treatment of this disorder

Answer 2

Some people theorize that when a baby is in the womb and it's the time (in the first couple of months) when the mother gives the baby testosterone and estrogen, the amounts are usually determined by the sex of the baby. But some mothers don't give enough of one hormone and the baby develops with the genitals of it's sex, because that's determined by the sperm at conception, but that the brain develops closer to the other sex because of the hormones given to the baby during development. How do you get help? Either you can be proud of who you know you are, and when you're ready you can begin to live as you feel you are, or you can seek therapy which can include hormone therapy to help you feel more like a man. Some people say that's crap, and you should own who you feel you are and be proud of it.

Good luck to you!! Seek support from local GLAAD groups for teens.

Answer 3

there are many different causes all theoretical... no one knows for sure yet. there have been many studies into gender identity disorders, one to look into is the penectomised twin.

Biological theories include levels of testosterone being abnormal, and sometimes babies are born with both sets of genitals and the parents have to decide which way to go, sometimes they choose the wrong way and this causes gender identity disorders.

the psychodynamic approach to GID which focuses on the oedipus complex and the unconscious mind was widely theorised by freud, these theories are often deemed as to pessimestic toward human nature.

the behaviourist approach deems that we acquire our gender due to social interaction at a young age, ie a baby girl is treated differently to a boy. ie boys in blue, girls in pink.

the best place to get help for this kind of problem is to be referred to a psychologist to discuss feelings and possible causes/implications.

Answer 4

I know someone with this problem. A boy. But during puberty, he began growing breasts.
Turns out it is something that happened in utero before he was born. I don't understand it so I can't explain it, but it was hormonal. At least, that is what the doctors told his mom.
I doubt if it is always caused by just one factor. I don't know how to get help. Perhaps try to get some counseling.
Best wishes to you.

Answer 5

From what the people say who have it, they feel that they were born in the wrong body. They don't just "get" it. The ones I've met personally were happy when they got a sex change operation. I have nothing scientific to base this on, but my theory is that they were the opposite sex in their last life (reincarnation) & haven't adapted to the new body.

Answer 6

I believe that people can be reincarnated as men or women alternately. Perhaps someone could feel strongly attached to the gender that they were in a past life, then they come into this life in an opposite gender body and it feels confusing to them??

Answer 7

I've read that soy at an early age can do it. Possibly it can be the environment that you are raised in. Possibly reincarnation from a different gender. All of the above?

Any way you look at it, people shouldn't be condemned by it and they should do what's right for them. People who attack it are just afraid of it.

(don't listen to the religious zelot that posted first, they've been trained to spout back hatred because it's what "god says"...dear god...did somebody vote me down because I referenced reincarnation??? sick...just sick.)

Answer 8

I dont know what causes it but you need to talk to your physician and he can direct you to the right doctor. I know in USA, if you want to change your sex, they send you through psychologist for 2 years to make sure this is what you want. Just dont go overseas and get the sex change operation. A friend of mine did this and after 1 year he changed his mind.