Gender identity is a category of social identity and refers to the subject  identification as male, female or occasionally, with some other category different than male or female (APA, 2013). Sometimes, people may experience a lack of congruence between the gender experienced or expressed and the one biologically assigned from birth, being a possible source of emotional distress accompanied by significant alterations in the social/occupational area or in any other important operational aspect, which will also manifest itself in a different way in the separate age groups.

In this sense, and taking into account the discrepancy severity, it would be possible that the person was diagnosed with gender dysphoria, according to the DSM5. It is important to clarify that such a diagnosis does not imply any mental illness, but rather a condition in which the critical element is the presence of clinically significant discomfort associated with the gender condition.

People with gender identity problems could have their self-concept and self-esteem affected, experiencing difficulties in choosing a sexual partner, being social isolation, victims of social prejudice and even sexually abused.

An early detection and care of problems related to gender identity can considerably reduce the discomfort experienced, as well as the probability of other related disorders, such as anxiety and depression. For this purpose, psychological assistance is adjusted to the needs of each evolutionary stage, with the aim of helping in the definition of gender identity, facilitating social adaptation processes and providing the affected person with resources to face possible rejective situations or social discrimination. This psychological intervention will be important not only in the initial moments of congruence lack but also throughout the entire process of sex reassignment, if it would be required.