Transgender OCD Explained: Separating Fact from Fiction

Transgender OCD or TOCD or Gender Identity OCD is a valid sub-type of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It entails distressing, intruding thoughts and doubts about the own gender identity not because of a wish to explore and adopt a different identity, but because of an intolerance to uncertainty. We will bust myths associated with this condition.

Myth 1: It is merely doubting your gender- not OCD

Although it is only normal to explore gender, TOCD is the opposite. Not finding out who you are--it is fear. The obsessive apology What, I suppose, if I were transgender? or "Am I cis enough?" is caused not by true curiosity, by obsessive indecision. It is the psychological discomfort of not being able to establish certain evidence of gender that is so unpleasant- not true exploration of identity.

Myth 2: ToCIDs have a secret wish of transitioning

TOCD is not the secret longing to become another gender. Instead, it is the never ending panic of never being absolutely sure about who you are. When such intrusive thoughts occur, the affected individuals tend to panic rather than to be excited. They do not want to be transitioned, they want to be told that their identity is conclusive and not changeable.

Myth 3: Research and checking are useful to locate the actual answer

It may make sense to practice compulsions such as putting on gendered clothes, scouring online forums to an infinite extent or finding confirmation in other people. But these actions do not end the cycle. The more you look, the more you are unsure--since OCD flourishes on such reassurance-seeking.

Myth 4: It is equal to gender dysphoria

In stark contrast to gender dysphoria as the distrust in the assigned gender, TOCD is driven by a sense of doubt and intrusive worries. Gender dysphoria is caused by an actual mismatch of identity and anatomy. TOCD, in its turn, is the result of the torture of being undecided- even when a person is sure of his or her identity, the obsessive doubts remain.

Myth 5: It's untreatable or rare

TOCD is highly responsive to evidence based interventions such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. ERP assists the person in confronting intrusive thoughts regarding gender, without the use of checking or reassurance. Under the help of the guide, the anxiety slowly disappears and the possibility of not belonging to the cycle of compulsions is achieved.