According to the APA, how is gender dysphoria classified?

The classification of gender dysphoria as a mental disorder by the American Psychological Association (APA) reflects a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding the experience of gender incongruence. This designation is rooted in the recognition that gender dysphoria can provoke significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The APA emphasizes that while the experience of being transgender itself is not a mental disorder, the distress that may arise from the incongruence between one's experienced or expressed gender and assigned gender at birth can lead to psychological challenges, warranting this classification.

This framing assists in guiding treatment approaches and interventions aimed at alleviating the distress associated with gender dysphoria, promoting mental health support, and leading to better outcomes for individuals undergoing these experiences. Thus, the classification aligns with a harm-reduction approach, focusing on supporting individuals to navigate their experiences while challenging societal stigma.