The symptoms of transvestic disorder are shame, guilt, and anxiety associated with cross-dressing. Cross-dressing may include wearing only a single article of clothing typically associated with the opposite gender or a complete outfit, along with hair and makeup. To be diagnosed with transvestic disorder, according to the DSM-5, a person must experience persistent and intense sexual arousal from fantasizing about, or acting upon, urges to wear one or more pieces of clothing normally worn by the opposite gender. These fantasies or behaviors must endure for at least six months and cause severe distress to the individual, or dysfunction in social, professional, or other significant areas of day-to-day life.
A person with transvestic disorder may experience continuous urges to cross-dress, or their desire may fluctuate or occur in a series of episodes. They may become stuck in a negative behavioral pattern of purchasing clothing with the intent of cross-dressing, wearing it during a cross-dressing session, and throwing it away in hopes of quitting. They may also be co-diagnosed with other conditions, including fetishism, in which one is sexually aroused by fabrics, materials, or garments; or masochism, in which one experiences sexual gratification at his or her own pain or humiliation.
