Gender and Transsexual Disorders - Essay Example

Gender and Transsexual Disorders Gender and transsexualism lie under the gender identity disorder in the DSM-IV and DSM-5 (Nussbaum 12). The disorder is present mainly from childhood as informed from the video, but does not become strong until the ages of 10 in some cases and most cases during puberty. In this disorder, someone gets fully uncomfortable with their gender (Barry 226). Kim started showing interest in female activities and clothing early. They feel that the gender they have always identified with is not their place. In most cases, the people expressively want to be the opposite gender. It may be revealed through the patient wanting to associate more with the opposite gender and even their clothing and chores than their real gender. DSM-IV identified that these disorders are related to the identity, in which case a person feels that there exists an incongruity between the gender he or she was born with and the one he or she feels comfortable identifying with. The DSM-5 stresses further that the feeling the patient for this disorder has is more of distress rather than simple discomfort 5 (Nussbaum 15). This is evident from the information on the video on Gender and Transsexual Disorders. The patient in this case must have undergone intense distress to convince the parents of the need to undergo the treatment as the age of 12 years. This video indicates that it is important to note that the society may have negative perceptions on transsexualism and this is likely to affect not only the basic social life and the way people view the survivors of this disorders but also in the relationship matters and family situations. Psychological help is, therefore, necessary for people undergoing the therapy cope with the expected negative perceptions. 2. Developmental Disorders Developmental disorders including the autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger disorder and autistic disorder are grouped among the neurodevelopmental disorders with the DSM-5 code 299.00. The manual recognizes Autism Spectrum Disorders as characterized by evident deficit in social communication and interaction with a considerable level of restricted repetitive behaviours such as shouting, lack of interest in activities or strong interest in particular activity or people and some level of hyperactivity. Most of the patients with this disorder are uncontrollable especially by strangers and are sometimes destructive and disruptive. Harm to self and others have been reported (Barry 239). a. A Few Asperger Traits Examples (by SillyGayBoy) In the video, “A Few Asperger Traits Examples,” some of these traits are evident. The Asperger person on the video is seemingly jovial and composed as opposed to what we would expect of the condition. However, on a closer look, he is unusually fixated on one issue, the relationship with other people. He is fully occupied with his own agenda of how he has issues relating with people. He, like many other people with neurodevelopmental conditions, is gifted, he talks of his ‘abilities in music” and his frustrations when he cannot get the help he requires from school. It is also important to note that he has unusual sensitivity to his own clothing and keeps on scratching his neck. b. Trying To Cope With A Severely Autistic Child (by jaxdotcom) In the second video on developmental disorders, “Trying to cope with a Severely Autistic Child,” there is a deep connection between the manifestations of the autistic child’s behaviour as seen from the video and as narrated by the mother. One thing that is apparently clear is that the child has an abnormal restrictive repetition of some words and sounds that can be irritating to the caregiver. In addition, the child repeatedly strikes himself, and there is a danger that he can severely harm himself unconsciously. This has disrupted the routines in the house as there must be someone, mostly the mother to take care of him. His disruptive behaviour as told by the mother incorporates even destruction of hope appliances and equipment and can even harm people. In some way, the child can be regarded as uncontrollable. The mother mentions that she only listen to her and is irritable and hostile to anybody else. This indicates that the patient has a close connection only to specific people. These two videos show two different levels of neurodevelopmental disorders. In the Asperger patient. The condition was diagnosed late in life, and the manifestations are not severe. The patient can comfortably undergo his normal life without much disruption. However, the second case, autism, is severe. The patient clearly manifest the symptoms of the disorder and has to be controlled by specific people who help in his activities of daily living. It is this need for control that the mother would choose to have the child taken to a special facility where he can be professionally controlled, and he may not come to self-harm or harm others. I believe such facilities should seek to help parents in caring for their affected children. 3. Cognitive Disorders Post-Concussion Syndrome Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) is a disorder that results from brain injury after a concussion. The injury on the brain causes symptoms of behavioural and cognitive changes. Physically, the person experiences strong headache that worsens with increased brain activity and resolves with rest. They also have difficulties controlling their emotions and may have stronger than normal mood swings. Cognitively, there is a significant loss of short-term memory and difficulty in concentration especially in multiple tasks. There is no ready treatment for the disorder, but brain healing may happen over a long time of control of the symptoms and coping with the situation. Support groups are there to help patients of this disorder. Under the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, PCS is diagnosed based on headaches that worsen with brain activity, post-traumatic amnesia, intense fatigue, irritability and loss of mood control 5 (Nussbaum 23). The video, “Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome the inside view” is a real eye-opener on this condition. First, PCS is not as widely recognised as other mental health issues. This means that the patient for this condition may not be getting as much help as they require. The slow progression of the symptoms as explained by the patient herself may be mistaken for normal changes in moods. As I watched this video, it was clear to me that the first step in making people aware of the condition, and hence promote help is acceptance. The patient has readily accepted her condition and explains its symptoms and even the personal care she uses to cope with it. This is very encouraging not only to the patients but also to the rest who can create awareness of the condition and promote the availability of help. Works cited Barry, Patricia D, and Suzette Farmer. Mental Health & Mental Illness. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2002. Print. Nussbaum, Abraham M. The Pocket Guide to the Dsm-5 Diagnostic Exam. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub, 2013. Print. Read More