Dysphorie

Dysphorie is a term used in psychology and psychiatry to describe a persistent sense of unease, dissatisfaction, or distress. It denotes a subjective state rather than a specific disorder, and can refer to discomfort with one’s body, situation, or identity, as well as to general mood distress. Dysphorie is often contrasted with euforie (euphoria), which means a markedly positive mood.

In clinical practice, dysphorie can occur as part of various conditions, including depressive and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress, substance withdrawal, chronic medical illness, sleep deprivation, or significant psychosocial stress. It is also a central concept in discussions of gender incongruence, where distress arises from a mismatch between experienced gender and the sex assigned at birth. In this context, the term gender dysphoria describes clinically significant distress directly linked to this incongruence, and it is often addressed through gender-affirming care.

Assessment typically involves clinical interviews and, when relevant, standardized measures of mood, anxiety, and gender dysphoria. Clinicians differentiate transient sadness or stress from a persistent dysphoric state that impairs functioning or causes substantial distress.

Treatment focuses on the underlying causes and the individual’s needs. Approaches may include psychotherapy (for example, cognitive-behavioral therapy), psychosocial support, and, when appropriate, medical or hormonal treatment for gender dysphoria. Pharmacotherapy may be used to treat co-occurring mood or anxiety disorders. The prognosis depends on the underlying condition and access to appropriate care; with effective treatment, dysphoric distress can lessen over time.