Final answer:
The biological theory of gender dysphoria according to the DSM-5 refers to the psychological distress individuals may experience when their gender identity does not align with their birth-assigned sex. Factors suggested include genetics, hormones, and socialization practices, and gender is increasingly understood as a complex spectrum. Not all transgender individuals experience dysphoria, and the medical understanding of these issues continues to evolve.
Step-by-step explanation:
The biological theory of gender dysphoria involves an understanding of the disconnect that occurs when an individual's experienced or expressed gender does not align with the gender typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth according to the DSM-5. This distress is formally recognized as gender dysphoria if it lasts for at least six months and results in significant impairment or distress. While there is no single explanation for why people are transgender, factors including genetics, prenatal hormone levels, and early socialization practices have been suggested. Dr. Money's theory of psychosexual neutrality indicates that gender identity is somewhat fluid at birth and becomes more fixed as language and socialization occur. It's important to recognize the distinction between gender dysphoria and being transgender, as not all transgender individuals experience dysphoria, and also acknowledge the shifting views within the medical community on the categorization of gender dysphoria as indicated by the change from gender identity disorder to gender incongruence by the World Health Organization.
Multiple Gender and Variant Gender topics explore the concept of gender as a multidimensional spectrum rather than a binary, acknowledging the biological variation within male and female categories. The construction of gender is recognized as complex, consisting of various biological, environmental, and social influences that interact to form an individual's sense of self in relation to gender.
Health and mental health professionals have indicated the importance of having the diagnostic category of gender dysphoria available to support individuals who may need treatment, such as hormone therapy or gender reassignment surgery, aimed at alleviating their distress caused by a misalignment of their experienced gender with their biological sex.