A Proposed Approach Treating Gender Dysphoria Through Body Image Therapy

Abstract

Gender dysphoria (GD) is a mental illness documented on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V) and is widely experienced by people within the transgender population. Current treatment approaches include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), sex reassignment surgery (SRS), and psychotherapy. Due to the hardship to get medical attention, many transgender individuals face severe psychological distress from their body. However, current psychotherapy is inadequate in addressing the body dissatisfaction among the transgender population. Meanwhile, body image therapy is used for eating disorder treatments. Given the parallel between the symptoms of eating disorder and GD, this article draws from an existing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) group treatment for eating disorder and applies it to GD. The proposed advantage of using body image therapy for GD treatment is that it will help to directly alleviate body dissatisfactions, thus leading to an alleviation of GD.

Gender Dysphoria Treatment: A Critical Discussion of Medical and Psychotherapeutic Approaches in Adults and Young People

“…Although the reversibility of these treatments is considered one of their paramount assets, Viner et al (2005) contends that they generate physically harmful consequences, resulting in psychological distress. Still, the benefits of such protocols have been affirmed by de Vries et al's (2014) research, without, however, providing sufficient evidence on their long-term effects and without including separate options like psychosocial approaches to treatment.…”

“…Likewise, although there is some recognition of convincing justifications for introducing hormonal therapy prior to the age of 16, only a limited quantity of publications explores such treatment experiences before 14 years of age. Thus, issues arise since an individual's readiness to pursue medical interventions might not be perpetually accurately reflected by their age (Viner, 2005). Conversely, hormonal treatment in GD transgender adults has been deemed highly efficient and ultimately safe by current reviews (Hadj-Moussa et al, 2018).…”