[Overview of the biological etiology of transsexualism]

Gender identity disorder, or transsexualism as it is more commonly known, is a highly complex clinical entity. The general belief among behavioural scientists and physicians is that transsexualism is an identifiable and incapacitating disease which can be diagnosed and successfully treated by reassignment surgery. Although the exact etiology of gender identity disorder is unknown, several environmental, genetic and anatomical theories have been described. The reviewers draw attention to the possible genetic, hormonal, immunological and anatomical causes. An attempt is made to point out the future trends in research, highlighting their progressive features.