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Transexualism - Gender Identity Disorder


Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

A gender identity disorder is one in which a person wants to be the opposite sex. The person may also believes that he or she is "trapped" in a body of the wrong sex.

What is going on in the body?

Gender identity disorder is a profound disturbance of a person's sense of sexual identity. This disorder can begin as early as 2 years of age.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Gender identity disorder occurs more often in males than in females. No one knows what causes this disorder. Some theories suggest the disorder may be caused by:

  • chromosomal abnormality
  • imbalances in hormones
  • problems with early parent-child bonding
  • harmful child-rearing practices