Intersexuality, Transsexuality and Mental Health - Abstract
Introduction: Currently, matters related to a person’s gender are of the utmost media and scientific validity. In this paper, we will aim to help clarify the relevant issues that affect mental health.
Materials and methods: In accordance with the best, high-quality international literature, we will present a rough critical, global and local analysis of the state of the matter.
Results and Discussion: In Spain, in order to rectify the register entries relating to intersexuality and transsexuality, a gender dysphoria diagnosis is required; that is, a sexual identity disorder diagnosis. The DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association) classification of
mental disorders, and equivalently, the ICD-10 (World Health Organization), both recognize the existence of the gender dysphoria diagnosis, and the upcoming ICD-11 will include, for gender disagreement, the so-called gender incongruence diagnosis. Issues associated with intersexuality and transsexuality are sufficiently and extensively addressed in scientific journals, and in many other journals that are exclusively informative. However, there is a risk of indiscriminately extending and even inadequately promoting everything related to the “transgender” concept, popularly abbreviated with the “trans” prefix. The psychiatric morbidity frequently associated or related to it is also commonly ignored or justified.
Conclusion: Should there be, in certain cases, a comorbid mental pathology, its correct and
early identification, dismissal or adequate health consultation would be crucial for the client.
Often times, it would be appropriate to implement a specific psychotherapy, to be conducted
only by psychiatrists or clinical psychologists.