TransLife.net Transgender 101 - Psychological

Sometimes referred to as the "father of transsexualism", Harry Benjamin was the first person to clinically treat people suffering from gender dysphoria. He helped to create the modern version of transgender we have today. He was the pioneer in gender studies. He developed all of the treatments and classifications that are out there today. He created the Sex Orientation Scale that he used to diagnose and categorize his patients. He was one of the first doctors to listen to people with transgender problems. At this time in history, there was no place to turn for transgendered people. He formed the first standards of care for the transgendered patient, which helped to form the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association. Even today that same association has continued to update the standards of care.

The standards dictate diagnosis, treatment, prerequisites for hormone treatments and surgury, and even follow up treatment. These guidlines are to be used by anyone in the medical/psychological field that may treat a transgendered patient. It is not a requirement for medical practitioners to follow them, however most respectable doctors do. Remember though, like the pirate code, these are guidelines. They are flexible to each individual's situation.

As far as diagnosis is concerned, levels of trasngender are still considered a mental disorder. Homosexuality was de-classified as a mental disorder years ago, but transgender remains still in the DSM-IV. There are different diagnosis for different types of transgender, Gender Identity Disorder is one of the more severe. It can be diagnosed in adults or children. Transsexuality is another diagnosis as well. Many are upset with the status of transsexuality and gender identity issues as disorders. They do not actually affect a person's ability to function in a job or ability to live. It is solely an identity of self. However, it can be very powerful and affect your mental well being. One could also blame that effect on society and the stigmatization of deviating from traditional gender roles though. So it is still questionable whether or not it is a real disorder.

These standards exist basically to make sure transgendered individuals don't make the biggest mistake of their life. Many in the trans community think the standards are too strict and there should be more freedom to make their own choices. However, the changes made to the body through hormones and surgery are irreversible. If it turns out that the transitional process is not for a particular individual, without these standards, that person would be unable to change back. That would essentially destroy that individual's life entirely, instead of enable life like the process is supposed to.

The basic guidelines for a transgendered person to transition are as follows:

Prior to the administration of hormones the patient must be:

at least 18 years old
have knowledge of what the hormones do to the body
Either a. documented real life experience over the past 3 months or
b. three months of psychotherapy with a mental health professional

Prior to approval for genital surgery the patient must:

be a legal majority in the country they are from
have undergone 12 months of continuous hormonal therapy.
have lived 12 months sucessfully full time in the real life experience.
usually, continual psychotherapy throughout the real life experience
have knowledge of costs, length of hospitalization, complications, etc.
be aware of several competent surgeons

Remember that these are just the basic guidelines. Each person's situation is different. To download a copy of the actual Standards of Care, visit the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care website. http://www.hbigda.org/soc.html