The formation of gender identity is a singularly complex part of an individual's development. When this process is further complicated by conflict between experienced gender and assigned gender or by medical conditions affecting sex development,lifetime consequenses can result.

Gender Dysphoria and Disorders of Sex Development offers up-to-date understanding and interventions in one comprehensive volume featuring expert coverage of developmental trajectories, comorbid conditions, current medical and psychological treatments, and an instructive history of professional conceptualizations of gender dysphoria (GD) and disorders of sex development (DSD).

Introductory chapters analyze the roles of sex hormones and genetics in brain organization and introduce an integrative biopsychosocial model of gender development. A framework for age-appropriate treatment for children (including guidelines for working with infants), adolescents, and adults is the book's core. And as sex reassignment continues to prove a viable option for some individuals, the latest endocrine-based and surgical interventions for adults are discussed as well. Throughout, this groundbreaking reference work emphasizes empirical knowledge, compassion, a strong ethical base, and coordinated interdisciplinary care. Among the topics covered:

• Genetic aspects of gender identity development and gender dysphoria
• Psychosexual development in individuals with disorders of sex development
• Gender identity diagnoses: history and controversies
• Early medical intervention in adolescents with gender dysphoria
• Psychiatric comorbidity in adults with gender identity problems
• The impact of stigma on transgender identity development and mental health For researchers and clinicians, including psychologists, psychiatrists, endocrinologists, and surgeons working in the field of GD and DSD, Gender Dysphoria and Disorders of Sex Development provides a unique view of the state of the field and recommendations for future research and care.

Autorentext
Baudewijntje P.C. Kreukels, PhD ia a senior researcher at VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands Department of Medical Psychology, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam Hormones & Brain. Dr. Kreukels is also Editor Neuropraxis, a Dutch journal on Neuroscience and in 2011 guest editor-in-chief special issue neuroendocrinology. Dr. Kreukels is a member of the International Academy of Sex Research, Dutch Society for Neuropsychology, Network LGBT Research, and the Dutch Neurofederation.Thomas D. Steensma, PhD is a clinical psychologist at the VU Medical Center in The Netherlands. He received his master degree in clinical and social psychology from the University of Amsterdam. He is an associate member of the International Academy of Sex Research. Annelou de Vries, MD, PhD is a child and adolescent psychiatrist working at the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam. The scope of her work is consultative-liaison psychiatryat the Pediatric department, focusing on sick children with mental health problems. An important and special part of her work is dedicated to gender dysphoric adolescents. At the Amsterdam Gender Identity Clinic (Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria), adolescents with a gender identity disorder may be eligible for the complete reversible medical treatment with GnRH analogues to block puberty from age 12 on to create rest and time to make a balanced decision about the irreversible gender reassignment when adolescents reach adulthood. Apart from her clinical work with these gender dysphoric adolescents, Annelou de Vries is also involved in research and published several studies on mental health of gender dysphoric adolescents and treatment evaluation  of this GnRH analogue treatment.

Zusammenfassung
This book provides a state of the art review on the care and treatment of and  current scientific knowledge on gender dysphoria (GD) and disorders of sex development (DSD). The book elucidates the history, the present situation, and the newest developments and future perspectives in both research on GD and DSD and the clinical management of individuals with GD and DSD of all ages. With contributions from a selection of leading scientists and established clinicians in the field of GD and DSD, this is a unique and comprehensive book focusing on the etiology and developmental trajectories of GD and DSD regarding gender identity development, psychiatric comorbidity, classification dilemmas, ethical dilemmas in treatment, influences of societal stigmatization, and discussion of the medical and psychological implications and outcomes of treatment, and providing treatment guidelines for individuals with GD and DSD (distinct guidelines each for children, adolescents, and adults). By presenting not only an historic overview and the current state of the art, but also challenges for the future, the book aims to demonstrate the need for further research and to stimulate the development and improvement of the clinical care of individuals with GD and DSD. 

Inhalt
Part I: Developmental principles.- Sex differentiation: Organizing hormone effects.- Genetic aspects of gender identity development and gender dysphoria.- Gender identity development, a biopsychosocial perspective.- Part II: Disorders of sex development.- The early care of the infant with a suspected disorder of sex development.- A noncategorical approach to the psychosocial care of persons with DSD and their families.- Psychosexual development in individuals with disorders of sex development (DSD).- Part III: Gender dysphoria.- Gender identity diagnosis: History and controversies.- Care for gender dysphoric children.- Models of psychopathology in children and adolescents with gender dysphoria.- Early medical intervention in adolescents with gender dysphoria.- Medical treatment for children with gender dysphoria: conceptual and ethical issues.- Care for adults with gender dysphoria.- Psychiatric comorbidity in adults with gender identity problems.- Sex reassignment: Endocrinological interventions in adults with gender dysphoria.- Surgical interventions for gender dysphoria.- The impact of stigma on transgender identity development and mental health.- Identity - An historical and political reflection.