Home › Youth › OCD and transgender

OCD and transgender

In a minority of people who present with gender dysphoria, obsessive-compulsive thoughts about gender can play a role.

Differential diagnosis

In a minority of people who present with gender dysphoria, obsessive-compulsive thoughts about gender can play a role. Examples are persistent intrusive thoughts about one's true gender identity, centred on doubt and a repeated need to check.

Clinical approach

Distinguishing persistent gender dysphoria from gender-related OCD requires clinical expertise and time. International guidelines advise that, in case of doubt, targeted psychiatric evaluation should be carried out and, where appropriate, OCD-focused treatment (such as exposure and response prevention) should be undertaken before irreversible medical steps are taken.