Gender Dysphoria In Children

Gender dysphoria in children is defined by a marked incongruence between the child’s experienced or expressed gender and assigned sex at birth, accompanied by clinically significant distress. Etiologies are multifactorial, including biological, genetic, neurodevelopmental, and psychosocial components. Clinical manifestations include persistent desire to be another gender, discomfort with one’s primary or secondary sex characteristics, social withdrawal, and heightened anxiety or depression. Diagnosis requires consistent, insistent, and persistent cross-gender identification, assessment of associated distress, and ruling out other mental health conditions. Management focuses on supportive psychotherapy, family counseling, and social affirmation, with careful consideration of medical interventions in line with established pediatric guidelines. Early recognition and affirming care improve psychological well-being and reduce the risk of comorbid psychiatric disorders.