It is impossible to respect any research that draws global conclusion as to the human condition but only examines one portion of it. Both Blanchard and Lawrence also fail to acknowledge cultural biases that exist both within the sampled population and the researchers themselves. Thus far, none of the studies pertaining to autogynephilia or androphilia have even made as much as a modest attempt to be cross-cultural. Each assumes that European culture and values are applicable to all cultures. Gender dysphoria is as one might imagine a feeling of anxiety about one's gender.
Gender dysphoria is defined as a person with a persistent discomfort with gender role or identity.
The definition also suggests that such individuals have difficulty or find it impossible to function normally in society. I am certain that this would be quite a revelation to the tens of thousands transgendered or transsexual men and women who have been functioning in society all their lives. As far as gender, the DSM-IV is filled with contradictions, prejudicial statements and comments that are simply absurd. For example, according to the DSM-IV definition for gender identity disorder, the average heterosexual man who walks into a room filled with women, and feels a degree of discomfort with being the only man in the room, may be said to momentarily suffer a gender identity disorder. This is nonsense.