Here's what you need to know about dysphoria
Dysphoric Meaning: Background And Advice
Dysphoria is a broad term that refers to a state of unease, dissatisfaction, unhappiness or distress. It is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
We tend to use this word for a general or 'non-specific' sense of discomfort.
For many people, dysphoria is a transient condition that comes and goes in response to stress or unhelpful thinking patterns (e.g., the ‘grass is greener’ mindset). However, dysphoria is a longer-term issue for some. Dysphoria is often part of a specific psychological condition in the latter case.
There are different forms of dysphoria. An underlying psychiatric condition causes the dysphoric state (e.g., depression, anxiety) in the context of mental health. Other forms of dysphoria include:
Social dysphoria
Body dysphoria
Gender dysphoria
Social dysphoria is characterised by discomfort with one's social life or surroundings. This discomfort may be part of social anxiety.
Body dysphoria is a sense of unease or dissatisfaction with one's physical appearance. Here, dysphoria may be part of a diagnosable condition like Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, and Bulimia.
Gender dysphoria occurs when there is a mismatch between biological sex and gender identity.
Is dysphoria a clinical diagnosis?
Dysphoria is not a clinical diagnosis. But it can be a mental health symptom or a broader psychological issue. The exact prevalence depends on dysphoria type. For example, one estimate for gender dysphoria ranges from 0.5 to 1.3% (1).
The process of assessing dysphoria involves taking a thorough history and conducting a psychological and physical examination. A mental health assessment is conducted to rule out underlying mental health disorders.
Background
The concept of dysphoria has been around for centuries. Psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin first used the term in the late 19th century to describe a state of unease or dissatisfaction.
Our understanding of dysphoria has changed significantly since then. In the mental health context, the term is now used to describe various states of unease or dissatisfaction. Our understanding of the causes and treatments of dysphoria has also changed significantly over the years.
Advice for dysphoria
If you are experiencing dysphoria, it is essential to seek professional help. A mental health assessment can help rule out any underlying mental health disorders.
Treatment for dysphoria typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause. But, of course, some forms of dysphoria should not be seen in a mental health context or 'treated'.
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References
(1) Zucker K. J. (2017). Epidemiology of gender dysphoria and transgender identity. Sexual health, 14(5), 404–411. https://doi.org/10.1071/SH17067