Discussion Board 3: Gender Identity
Discussion Board 3: Gender Identity
A 15-year-old biological female who has repeatedly run away from home and attempted self-harm over the past year is brought into the clinic. The patient, who will be referred to as “she/her” in this instance, is seen by her mother after she repeatedly expresses displeasure with her natural sex. She claims that as a youngster, she did not play with dolls or wear gowns; instead, she preferred to engage in outdoor activities, dress like a boy, and keep her hair short. By the time she was 10, her behavior had caused her and her parents to argue since she persisted on dressing like a boy. She claims to be “male on the inside.” She sees herself as a male in a straight relationship with a female and is attracted to women. A biological female with short hair is discovered after a physical checkup. The bilateral forearms have multiple healed linear lacerations. Tanner stage V is seen in the breasts and axillary/pubic hair. The examination of the pelvis is normal.
Need Substantial Responses- 1 page
Due: Aug 2,2023
Word Count: Minimum of 150 words per post, not including references
Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA from within the last 5 years
1) Needs to response to Ms. A and here’s her discussion…
The most likely diagnosis for this 15-year-old biological female is gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is a condition where an individual experiences distress or discomfort due to a mismatch between their assigned sex at birth and their gender identity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In this case, the patient’s persistent desire to be identified as male, her preference for male attire, and her identification as a male in a straight relationship with a female indicate a strong sense of gender incongruence.
Findings of Disorders of Sexual Development or Hormonal Dysfunction:
Based on the information provided, there are no specific findings of disorders of sexual development or hormonal dysfunction mentioned in the patient’s case. The physical examination revealed normal pelvic findings, and Tanner stage V in the breasts and axillary/pubic hair suggest normal pubertal development. However, it is essential to consider that disorders of sexual development or hormonal imbalances could contribute to gender dysphoria in some cases, but further evaluations and investigations would be necessary to confirm or rule out such conditions.
Best Next Step in the Management:
The best next step in the management of this patient is to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment to discuss her feelings and concerns. It is essential to acknowledge her gender identity and validate her experiences. Open and empathetic communication with both the patient and her parents is crucial to understand her perspective and offer appropriate support.
Referral to a mental health professional experienced in gender dysphoria is highly recommended to conduct a thorough assessment and provide appropriate counseling and support. Gender-affirming therapy can help the patient explore her identity and coping strategies, as well as provide guidance to her parents in understanding and accepting her gender identity.
The involvement of a multi-disciplinary team, including endocrinologists, psychologists, and social workers, may be necessary to ensure comprehensive and individualized care for the patient. The decision regarding medical interventions, such as hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries, should be made carefully, involving the patient and her parents, considering her age, mental health, and overall well-being.
In conclusion, the case of this 15-year-old biological female highlights the importance of understanding and providing compassionate care for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria. By offering support, access to mental health professionals, and a collaborative approach to care, we can help improve the well-being and quality of life of transgender and gender-diverse youth.
2) Needs Substantial Response to Ms. L-1 page What is the most likely diagnosis?
Gender dysphoria (previously gender identity disorder), according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is defined as a “marked incongruence between their experienced or expressed gender and the one they were assigned at birth.” When identifying themselves within typical societal binary male or female roles, children or adolescents who go through this turmoil find it difficult to relate to their gender expression, which could lead to cultural stigmatization. A negative sense of well-being and low self-esteem, interpersonal conflicts, social rejection, symptoms of depression and anxiety, substance use disorders, difficulties in relationships with family, peers, and friends, as well as a higher risk of self-harm and suicidality, can all result from this.
What would be the findings of disorders of sexual development or hormonal dysfunction?
Early studies on gender dysphoria were mostly based on the idea that it was a psychological disorder and speculated that dysfunctional family dynamics and traumatic childhood experiences may be involved in the development of the illness. Recent research, however, suggests a biological foundation including genetic, neurological, and endocrine aspects. For instance, individuals who experienced unusual prenatal androgen exposure in utero, such as girls with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, showed a higher prevalence of gender dysphoria. Functional variations are thought to affect sex hormone signaling, leading to abnormal sexual differentiation in the developing brains of those who will later experience gender dysphoria.
What is the best next step in the management of this patient?
It is important to offer mental assistance to patients who have this illness. Depending on the specific circumstances and requirements of the patient, hormonal therapy and surgical therapy are possible options. The evaluation and treatment of gender dysphoria are discussed, along with the interprofessional team’s role in enhancing care for persons who suffer from this disorder. Patients may visit their general practitioners, endocrinologists, or mental health professionals. While for some people it is a significant concern, for others it may be a symptom of additional mental health issues. Referrals should be made when needed to provide the patient with a more reliable support network. Children should receive individual, family, and group therapy to explore and receive gender preference guidance. Hormonal therapy and psychotherapy should be considered in tandem for adolescents because of the extra worry associated with puberty.
Thank u.
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