ABSTRACT

Objective:

Over the past several years gender identity development and gender identity disorder (GID) in children and adolescents have become a center of interest both in the community and psychiatry. It is estimated that cross-gender interests and behaviors among the children are not as rare as once thought. The aim of this review is to examine the normal characteristics of gender identity development, the psychosocial factors that influence the gender identity development, and the clinical characteristics, diagnostic difficulties, ethical problems and treatment approaches in GID in the light of recent researches.

Method:

The gender identity development and GID literature in the Pubmed and Turkish Medical Index has been reviewed.

Results:

Psychosocial factors play an important role in the development of gender identity. Clinical presentation and prognosis show variations and comorbidity rate is high in GID in children. Having a child who has strong and persistent cross-gender behaviors is usually very stressful both for the child and the parents and they have to be supported.

Discussion:

There is an ongoing discussion about the diagnostic validity and reliability of GID in children, whether it is a psychiatric disorder or not, and which therapeutic approach is appropriate for children and adolescents. It is essential to take scientific decisions rather than reactive ones.