the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) do not consider being transgender or experiencing gender dysphoria (the distress that may accompany the incongruence between one's gender identity and assigned sex at birth) as mental disorders.
In 2019, the World Health Organization removed "gender identity disorder" from its International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and replaced it with "gender incongruence." This change reflects a significant shift in understanding, recognizing that being transgender is not inherently a mental disorder, but the distress that may arise due to a misalignment between one's gender identity and assigned sex can be significant and should be addressed with proper support and care.
Similarly, the American Psychiatric Association removed "gender identity disorder" from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 2013 and replaced it with "gender dysphoria." This change was also made to depathologize being transgender while acknowledging the distress that some individuals may experience.
It is essential to differentiate between being transgender and experiencing gender dysphoria. Being transgender simply means that a person's gender identity differs from the sex assigned to them at birth. Gender dysphoria, on the other hand, refers to the distress or discomfort that some individuals may experience due to the incongruence between their gender identity and their assigned sex. Not all transgender individuals experience gender dysphoria, and for those who do, it is essential to provide appropriate support and care, such as gender-affirming therapies, counseling, and, if necessary, medical interventions like hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries.
Prominent medical and psychological organizations emphasize the importance of respecting and affirming individuals' gender identity and providing them with the necessary support and resources to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Understanding and acceptance of gender diversity are vital in promoting mental health and well-being for transgender individuals.