title: A Conceptual Overview and Commentary on Gender Dysphoria.
abstract: Gender Dysphoria is a distressed state of mind that is of interest to psychiatrists, including forensic psychiatrists. Forensic matters can be best addressed only after one has a good appreciation of relevant psychiatric knowledge and concepts. In this commentary I review the nature of Gender Dysphoria, its relationship to cross-dressing and erotic arousal, and the question of whether it should be thought of as a psychiatric disorder. I also review the complexity of sex and gender; alternative conceptualizations of Gender Dysphoria, its etiology, its multicultural history, and its typical course over time in a given individual. Finally, I summarize treatment options, treatment outcomes, and difficulties of treating Gender Dysphoria within an inmate population.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Berlin is Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Director, The Johns Hopkins Sexual Behaviors Consultation Unit, and Director, National Institute for the Study, Prevention and Treatment of Sexual Trauma, Baltimore, MD. fredsberlinmd@comcast.net.
authors.forename: Fred S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Berlin
mesh_terms: D003210:Concept Formation; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D000068116:Gender Dysphoria / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D014190:Transvestism; D014481:United States