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/>
