The border area between transvestism and gender dysphoria: transvestitic applicants for sex reassignment.

Clinical variants among the population of applicants for sex reassignment have been previously categorized. These coherent entities were introduced in an effort to sharpen the clinical presentation of syndromic diversity as well as to enhance the specificity of prognosis and outcome. The description of the so-called younger and aging transvestite has been further investigated. Although the initial group of reported transvestitic patients was small, it was suggested that these individuals constituted a coherent group definable in terms of demographic variables, past history, current crises, psychodynamics, clinical course, and special risks. This investigation presents a supplementary series of aging and younger transvestites who have applied for sexual reassignment. Since the original report, further elucidation of the characteristics of both groups have emerged. The theoretical implications of these categories have become clearer. The data support the original content of the classification as an aid to evaluation, prognosis, and treatment.