Transsexualism is considered to be the extreme
end of the spectrum of gender identity disorders characterized by, among other
things, a pursuit of sex reassignment surgery (SRS).
The origins of transsexualism are still
largely unclear. A first indication of anatomic brain differences between
transsexuals and nontranssexuals has been found. Also, certain parental
(rearing) factors seem to be associated with transsexualism. Some
contradictory findings regarding etiology, psychopathology and success of SRS
seem to be related to the fact that certain subtypes of transsexuals follow
different developmental routes. The observations that psychotherapy is not
helpful in altering a crystallized cross-gender identity and that certain
transsexuals do not show severe psychopathology has led clinicians to adopt
sex reassignment as a treatment option.
In many countries, transsexuals are now
treated according to the Standards of Care of the Harry Benjamin International
Gender Dysphoria Association, a professional organization in the field of
transsexualism. Research on postoperative functioning of transsexuals does not
allow for unequivocal conclusions, but there is little doubt that sex
reassignment substantially alleviates the suffering of transsexuals.
However, SRS is no panacea. Psychotherapy may
be needed to help transsexuals in adapting to the new situation or in dealing
with issues that could not be addressed before treatment.
Citation:
J Psychosom Res 1999 Apr;46(4):315-33 an article
published on the Internet by PubMed <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/>
