I want Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS). My prospective surgeon has asked me to meet a Psychiatrist first and get ‘clearance’ from the Psychiatrist. What is this about?
I am a foreign national in India. I was prescribed Ritalin by my doctor in my home country and I now need a refill/repeat prescription. Can you help?
January 5, 2014I want Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS). My prospective surgeon has asked me to meet a Psychiatrist first and get ‘clearance’ from the Psychiatrist. What is this about?
Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS) is one part of the treatment that persons who have gender identity disorder, are offered. Endocrine treatment/hormonal treatment is another part. However, the identification of GID and whether (and when) a person with GID is ready for change in his/her sex, is done by a Psychiatrist.
The Harry Benjamin Protocol (now updated to WPATH SOC v7 2011) and various guidelines of Endocrine and Urology societies across the world have reinforced this.
A Psychiatrist would help a person understand, deal and manage his/her gender dysphoria, accept that it is a disorder and discuss what can be done. Since GRS is a major operation, a decision to go ahead with it is usually taken after several meetings and often after life as a member of the opposite sex has been carefully thought off and practiced for at least a year. I would also support you during the transition phase and the post op period when you start your new life.
