In 2–3 pages:
• Explain the controversy that surrounds your selected disorder.
• Explain your professional beliefs about this disorder, supporting your rationale with at least three scholarly references from the literature.
• Explain strategies for maintaining the therapeutic relationship with a patient that may present with this disorder.
• Finally, explain ethical and legal considerations related to this disorder that you need to bring to your practice and why they are important.
The controversy that surrounds your selected disorder.
Full Answer Section
Professional beliefs: I believe that gender dysphoria is a real and valid condition. It is important to respect the gender identity of people with gender dysphoria and to provide them with the support they need to live their lives authentically. I believe that the best way to treat gender dysphoria is through a multidisciplinary approach that includes therapy, social support, and medical interventions (such as hormone therapy and surgery). The specific treatment plan that is right for each individual will vary depending on their individual needs and preferences. Scholarly references:- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.
- World Health Organization. (2018). International classification of diseases (11th rev. ed.). Geneva: Author.
- American Psychological Association. (2015). Guidelines for psychological practice with transgender and gender nonconforming people. American Psychologist, 70(9), 832–864.
- Creating a safe and supportive space where patients can explore their gender identity without judgment.
- Validating the patient's experiences and feelings.
- Helping the patient to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with distress and discrimination.
- Working with the patient to develop a treatment plan that meets their individual needs and preferences.
- Educating the patient about gender dysphoria and the treatment options available to them.
- Consent: It is important to obtain informed consent from the patient before providing any treatment, including therapy, medication, or surgery.
- Confidentiality: It is important to maintain the confidentiality of the patient's medical information.
- Minors: If the patient is a minor, it is important to involve their parents or guardians in the treatment process.
- Discrimination: It is important to be aware of the potential for discrimination against people with gender dysphoria and to advocate for the patient's rights.
Sample Answer
Gender dysphoria is a condition in which a person experiences incongruence between their gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth. This can lead to a significant amount of distress and impairment in a person's life.
There is some controversy surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of gender dysphoria. Some people believe that it is a mental illness that should be treated with therapy or medication. Others believe that it is a natural variation of human identity and that people with gender dysphoria should be supported in living their lives in accordance with their gender identity.