ABSTRACT
Gender identity disorders are characterized by strong and persistent cross-gender identification accompanied by persistent discomfort with one’s genetic sex. ‘Gender identity’ refers to an individual’s self-perception as male or female. The term ‘gender dysphoria’ denotes strong and persistent feelings of discomfort with one’s genetic sex, the desire to possess the body of the other sex, and the desire to be regarded by others as a member of the other sex. These terms should be distinguished from the term ‘sexual orientation’, which refers to erotic attraction to males, females, or both.
