Ask AI: is gender dysphoria a mental illness?

Gender dysphoria is not classified as a mental illness. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) refers to gender dysphoria as a condition in which individuals experience distress or discomfort due to the incongruence between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth. It is important to note that being transgender or having a gender identity different from one's sex assigned at birth is not a mental illness. The primary reason gender dysphoria is included in the DSM-5 is to provide a framework for healthcare professionals to understand the unique challenges faced by those who experience this distress and to help provide access to necessary support and medical care, such as gender-affirming treatments. It is crucial to approach this issue with sensitivity, empathy and respect for the lived experiences of individuals dealing with gender dysphoria.