Introduction
The question of whether being transgender is a mental illness has been hotly debated for decades. This debate often stems from scientific analysis of the medical community’s classification of gender dysphoria as a mental illness, personal experiences from the trans community and philosophical considerations of labeling something as a mental illness. With the rise of transgender rights, it is more important than ever to debunk myths surrounding being transgender and highlight the truths. In this article, we will explore the topic from multiple perspectives in an attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic.
Scientific Analysis of Gender Dysphoria as a Mental Illness
Previously, gender dysphoria was officially classified as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 2013. However, gender dysphoria has since been removed from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of mental disorders in 2018. There has been much debate about whether labeling gender dysphoria as a mental illness is appropriate or not.
Those who support classifying gender dysphoria as a mental illness argue that it is a medical condition that requires treatment. Additionally, this classification can help healthcare professionals better understand and treat the condition through funding and research. However, there are many who oppose this view. Those in the trans community who have experienced gender dysphoria argue that it is not a mental illness but a medical condition that requires physical transition as treatment.
Dr. Jack Drescher, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, believes that changing attitudes and understanding about gender should reflect the complexity of the lived experience of transgender people. He explains, “When people come to doctors and say, ‘I need a different body, I need different hormones,’ doctors should recommend physical transition rather than simply diagnose patients as having a kind of mental illness. Failing to read that as a physical problem leads to treating people with hormonal or surgical interventions.”
Personal Essay from a Trans Perspective
Trans individuals often contend with the notion that being trans is a mental illness. This can lead to detrimental effects on a person’s mental health such as anxiety and depression. However, many trans people argue that they are not mentally ill but simply have a physical condition that involves a misalignment in gender identity and physical sex characteristics.
“Being transgender is not a mental disorder. It is a personal characteristic, and it should be removed from the ICD,” wrote trans activist and writer Janet Mock. The importance of providing culturally competent care to the trans community must be emphasized, particularly when it comes to mental health care.
Philosophical Consideration of Labelling Something as a Mental Illness
There are philosophical issues related to labeling something as a mental illness. From a philosophical standpoint, mental illness labels can be seen as social constructs that contribute to the negative connotation of mental illness. Labels can stigmatize people, which can lead to discrimination and limited access to healthcare and employment. Furthermore, labeling gender dysphoria as a mental illness can create an uphill battle in gaining access to treatments as such treatments are often viewed as non-medically necessary.
It is important to note that the destigmatization of mental illness truly begins with the destigmatization of transgender individuals. Wong (2019) explains that the stigma surrounding gender dysphoria leads to insurance companies denying coverage for treatments such as hormone replacement therapy and surgeries.
Op-Ed on Destigmatization of Mental Illness and Trans Individuals
Stigmatization of mental illness and trans individuals is not a new concept. Stigma in both categories has caused patients to be afraid of seeking out help or to be labeled as different from mainstream society. Addressing and normalizing stigmas surrounding mental illness and trans identity is imperative to removing barriers to access.
It is critical that evidence-based messaging and education be utilized in order to combat misinformation surrounding both categories. It is equally important to provide widespread access to culturally competent care for trans people. In doing so, access to necessary treatment options can be ensured.
Literature Review Assessing Prevalence and Validity of Harmful Stereotypes
Stereotypes that undermine trans identity are harmful and have been linked to anxiety, depression, and suicide. According to a 2018 study, almost half of trans people have attempted suicide—a rate that has only slowly declined since 1998. Providing evidence-based messaging and education surrounding stereotypes about the trans community is important work to counteract the negative impact caused by these types of stereotypes.
Critical Analysis of the Debate Surrounding Classification of Gender Dysphoria
The debate surrounding whether gender dysphoria should be classified as a mental illness or not has been driven by underlying conservatism and transphobia in psychiatry and psychology. Past perspectives have treated trans individuals with a dehumanizing, stigmatizing mentality.
It is essential to recognize the multidimensional layers of the question at hand surrounding gender dysphoria and mental illness. It is important to understand that labeling things as a mental illness has consequences that cannot be ignored. To move the discussion forward, it is necessary to place emphasis on the lived experiences of transgender people and what they truly endure.
Conclusion
Stigmas surrounding gender dysphoria and mental illness continue to hold back the progress of the trans community. It is imperative to understand that the complexities of both topics are important to address in order to make progress. Successful approaches must be intersectional and concentrate on the multifaceted aspects of both gender dysphoria and mental illnesses.
