Transvestism as a Symptom: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychopathology
• Clinical Case Studies

Background:

• Transvestism, or cross-dressing, involves wearing clothing typically associated with the opposite sex.
• This behavior can manifest as a primary complaint or a symptom within broader psychiatric contexts.
• Understanding diverse presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Observation:

• A series of three psychiatric cases where transvestism was a primary concern is presented.
• Case 1 and 3 exhibited co-occurring paraphilias alongside transvestism.
• Case 2 presented with comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and lower intelligence.

Findings:

• Transvestism can present with varying intellectual capacities.
• The presence of other paraphilias is noted in some individuals with transvestism.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can co-occur with transvestism, impacting treatment approaches.

Implications:

• This series underscores the heterogeneity of transvestism as a psychiatric symptom.
• Recognizing co-occurring conditions is vital for comprehensive patient management.
• Pharmacological interventions, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be beneficial for specific comorbid conditions like OCD.