Gender identity disorder (GID) is a term that is no longer used by mental health professionals. In 2012, this term was changed to “gender dysphoria” in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Replacing a term that included the word “disorder” was an important step toward removing stigma against transgender people based on false stereotypes about gender identity and expression. Feeling that your gender does not match your biology is not a mental illness, and most teens seeking gender reassignment surgery have healthy psychological functioning. However, teen gender dysphoria can cause extreme distress, which in turn may lead to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, negative body image, and an increased risk of suicide. This is due to external factors that transgender children and teens are subjected to, including bullying by peers, parental rejection, abuse, trauma, and harassment.
Common Mental Health Issues in Teens: Effects & Treatments
Table of Contents Around the globe, mental health challenges are on the rise among youth. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 40% of teens in the US