Depression Amongst Transsexuals - Essay Example

It has been reported that approximately 1 in 30,000 adult genetic males and 1 in 100,000 genetic females seek to change their sex ("Gender dysphoria", NHS direct). These persons suffer from a unique type of depression known as gender dysphoria wherein the mind of the affected persons assumes that he or she actually belongs to the sex opposite to that what has been assigned to him/her physically at the time of birth. The transsexual can be male -to-female or female-to-male. A transsexual may be heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual.

This condition is different from transvestism wherein people get sexual or emotional pleasure from wearing the clothing of the opposite sex. The condition of gender dysphoria remains profoundly stigmatizing (Ghosh, 2006). The disorder affects an individuals self-image, and can impact the persons mannerisms, behavior and dress (“Mental health”, WebMD). Due to confusion about the individual sex, the person experiences anxiety and feelings and fear of rejection. These feelings often lead to chronic depression and even suicidal tendencies.

Many of them attempt to undergo hormone and surgical treatment to physically change their sex. Most of them have impairment in social and occupational functioning. Also, many individuals with this condition become socially isolated. Isolation and ostracism contribute to low self esteem and may lead to school aversion or dropping out of school (“DSM IV”, Gender Identity Disorder). Boys with this condition show marked female mannerisms and speech patterns and are subjected to teasing which further makes them go in to depression (“DSM IV”, Gender Identity Disorder).

Often, in many of them, the disturbance can be so pervasive that the individuals’ thoughts revolve only around those activities that lessen gender distress and they are often preoccupied with appearance, especially early in the transition to living in the opposite sex role (“DSM IV”, Gender Identity Disorder). Relationships