Most people are very comfortable with the fact that they are male or female and do not describe any issues with their gender. Unfortunately for some people, this is not the case.

Gender dysphoria is anxiety, unhappiness or persistent uncomfortable feelings about your assigned gender (biological sex) which feels different from your own personal, internal gender (gender identity). Simply put, people find that the way they look on the outside doesn't fit how they feel inside. They often feel pressurised to behave or act in a way that is different from what they really want to do which leads to feelings of unhappiness. This is known as gender dysphoria.

Although gender dysphoria is not a mental illness it can lead to significant distress and have a considerable effect on the way people live their lives, affecting their work, social life and relationships.

Gender dysphoria can vary from individual to individual and, although it can vary in intensity over time, it is characterised by its persistent nature. Many people try to suppress or ignore it and often shy away from seeking professional help. The need for specialist help is very important, emphasised by the high rate of mental health problems in people with gender dysphoria, such as depression, anxiety and even suicide. Some individuals use alcohol to excess or street drugs to try and block out the feelings. Seeking specialist help is therefore recommended at the earliest opportunity.

Typically, gender dysphoria is present from childhood and is often associated with a strong indentification with the opposite gender, including the urge to cross-dress. It is a very important symptom of transsexualism (a medical term) and needs to be present in order to make the diagnosis. The diagnosis is properly made by a Consultant Psychiatrist with special experience in gender problems. However a GP or other health professional may begin to make a provisional diagnosis and refer the person to see a suitable specialist. Despite what most people think, this referral should be made sooner rather than later.

These feelings are treatable and many of these difficulties decrease significantly or completely disappear with the right level of support and careful planning towards a change of gender role (transition).