Transgenderism is a mental illness

                     FIRST:

Mental illness: objective definition:

Definition:
Mental illnesses are clinically significant disorders of/impairments in cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior reflecting dysfunction in underlying psychological, biological, or developmental processes involved in mental functioning. They are defined by validated diagnostic criteria specifying characteristic symptom patterns, disability/distress, and biomarker correlates when available. Mental disorders exist on a continuum of severity, based on degrees of functional impairment across major life activities. Their etiologies involve complex gene-environment interactions, with biological vulnerability and environmental stressors as key risk factors. Despite diverse presentations, all mental illnesses share a common core feature of disordered/impaired neural processes giving rise to dysfunctional psychological phenomena.

Based on the objective definition of mental illness stated above, as well as based on the fact that "mental illness states are in conflict with reason and reality", here are the key criteria a mental condition would need to meet to be judged a mental illness:

--Involves clinically significant dysfunction or dysregulation in psychological/neurological processes involved in:

Cognition (perception, attention, memory, reasoning, belief formation)

Emotional regulation and experience

Behavioral control processes

--This dysfunction manifests in symptoms/features that represent a clear deviation from normal, healthy psychological functioning, such as:

Distorted perception of reality

Irrational/delusional belief systems

Thoughts/behaviors disconnected from objective evidence

Emotional responses grossly incongruent with circumstances

--The problematic thoughts, beliefs, and mental experiences are objectively contradicted by:

Scientific facts about biological realities

Formal laws of logic and principles of rational reasoning

Culturally-validated constructs of objective physical reality

--The dysfunctional condition causes significant distress and/or disability by impairing the individual's ability to:

Accurately understand and respond to their environment

Engage in logical, reality-based reasoning and decision making

Function adaptively across major life domains

-The irrational mental state and disconnection from reality cannot be better accounted for by culturally-sanctioned beliefs, thoughts or practices.

-There are identifiable biological and psychosocial causal factors that can be objectively established as contributing to the dysfunctional condition.

-The irrational thoughts/beliefs persist despite evidence-based efforts to correct the disconnect from reality using standard therapeutic techniques.

So in essence, to be considered a mental illness, the mental condition must involve a demonstrable breakdown in cognitive processes that objectively impairs rational, reality-based perception, thinking and functioning across multiple areas of the individual's life in a dysfunctional manner, stemming from identifiable biological and/or environmental causes. Cultural relativism must be accounted for, but ultimately the condition must be reconciled against universal standards of logical reasoning, empirical evidence and consensual reality.

In addition:

To objectively establish that a particular mental condition qualifies as a mental illness, multiple lines of empirical evidence would be needed:

Clinical Evidence:

Clearly defined diagnostic criteria specifying the characteristic symptoms/features

Evidence that the condition causes clinically significant distress/impairment

Data showing it represents a statistically abnormal deviation from population norms

Demonstrated negative functional impact across major life domains

Neurobiological Evidence:

Identifiable patterns of neurological/neurochemical dysregulation associated with the condition

Genetic markers, brain imaging or other biomarkers linking it to neurocognitive deficits

Evidence from lesion studies, neuropsych testing implicating specific brain systems

Cognitive/Behavioral Evidence:

Measurable deficits on tests of rational thinking, reality testing, logical reasoning

Observable distortions in perception, belief formation contradicting objective reality

Dysfunctional thought patterns, behaviors disconnected from evidence/circumstances

Etiological Evidence:

Identifiable biological vulnerability factors (genes, prenatal insults, neural disease)

Identifiable psychological/social/environmental risk and precipitating factors

Causal models specifying pathways by which these factors lead to dysfunction

Treatment Evidence:

Controlled studies showing ameliorative effects of biological interventions

Efficacy of psychological interventions targeting proposed dysfunctional mechanisms

Symptom remission or improved functioning validating underlying theory

Cross-Cultural Evidence:

Consistent presentation of core dysfunctional features across cultures

Universal deviations from shared, objective constructs of reality

Transcending explanations based on cultural beliefs/practices alone

Collectively, this consensus of clinical data, neurobiological markers, cognitive testing, etiological models, treatment validation, and cross-cultural invariance would provide strong empirical grounding to consider a condition reflective of true psychopathology warranting the designation of mental illness. Gaps in any one domain may exist, but the overall evidence base would need to objectively establish a clear dysfunction in rational, reality-based psychological processes per the criteria we have defined. Ongoing research would be needed to meet these rigorous evidentiary standards.

                         NEXT:

Presupposition: Transgenderism is the combination of  Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) + Gender Dysphoria + delusions.

Considering the combination of  Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) + Gender Dysphoria + delusions specifically:

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is currently recognized as a mental disorder involving:

Excessive preoccupation over perceived flaws in physical appearance

Obsessive thoughts/behaviors surrounding these perceived flaws

Significant distress/impairment in functioning

There is evidence BDD involves neurobiological components and distorted beliefs about physical traits.

Gender Dysphoria involves clinically significant distress due to an incongruence between one's gender identity and assigned sex at birth. It is currently classified as a dysphoric condition, not necessarily a delusion or psychopathology.

Delusions, by definition, are fixed false beliefs that are resistant to evidence and not culturally-informed. Holding a rigid delusional belief about one's biological sex/gender would qualify.

                          THEN:

Looking objectively at the proposed combination through the lens of mental illness criteria:

Identifiable Dysfunction:

The obsessive preoccupation, significant distress, and delusional beliefs represent quantifiable psychological/cognitive dysfunction.

Deviation from Norms:

The specific symptom pattern of body fixation, cross-gender identification, and fixed false beliefs collectively deviates from normative psychology.

Contradiction with Reality:

Delusional beliefs definitionally contradict evidence and objective reality regarding biology and physical characteristics.

Functional Impairment:

BDD and delusional fixations often cause substantial impairment in daily functioning if severe.

Neurobiological Factors:

There are indications of neural processes involved in body image disturbances and cognitive distortions underlying delusions.

Potential Causes:

Genetic vulnerabilities, developmental factors, trauma, and biological insults are hypothesized to contribute to these conditions.

Thus, based on the currently available scientific evidence surrounding the individual components, the proposed combination of body dysmorphic disorder, gender dysphoria, and delusional beliefs about biological sex/gender does appear to fit many of the defined criteria for a mental illness involving:

Identifiable psychological dysfunction

Deviation from normative processes

Contradiction with biological realities

Functional impairment

Neurobiological underpinnings

Potential identifiable etiologies

However, more research may be needed specifically on this exact symptom cluster to make a definitive determination according to the rigorous standards set forth. The individual components alone provide a tentative evidence base suggesting it could potentially represent a classifiable mental illness, but the combination may warrant further direct investigation from researchers and clinicians before drawing a conclusion meeting the highest levels of objectivity.

                         FINALLY:

So, if transgenderism is considered to be a combination of body dysmorphic disorder, gender dysphoria, and delusional beliefs about biological sex/gender, then it should be considered a mental illness.

In addition:

Undeniable self-evident axiom:

1. Mental illness is characterized by disturbances in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that impair functioning.
2. 
   

Poly-syllogism 1:

1. All mental illnesses involve disturbances in thoughts, mental states, emotions, and behaviors.
2. Transgenderism is the condition of identifying with a gender different from reality, the one assigned at birth.
3. Transgenderism, consisting of gender dysphoria + body dysmorphic disorder + delusions, is a condition where one's emotional and psychological identity as male or female does not align with reason, and reality (which is their biological sex), and so, falls under the category of a mental health condition.
4. Transgenderism, consisting of gender dysphoria + body dysmorphic disorder + delusions is a form of mental illness because it conflicts with reason and reality.
5. 
   

Theorem 1: Transgenderism, consisting of gender dysphoria + body dysmorphic disorder + delusions is a mental illness.

Poly-syllogism 2:

1. Some individuals with gender dysphoria + body dysmorphic disorder + delusions may choose to undergo gender-affirming medical interventions such as hormone therapy or surgery.
2. Seeking medical interventions for a mental health condition is a common practice in the field of psychiatry and psychology.
3. Therefore, seeking gender-affirming medical interventions for gender dysphoria does not negate the classification of gender dysphoria + body dysmorphic disorder + delusions as a mental illness.

Theorem 2: Undergoing gender-affirming medical interventions does not change the classification of gender dysphoria + body dysmorphic disorder + delusions as a mental illness.

Poly-syllogism 3:

1. Society's understanding and acceptance of mental health conditions have evolved over time.
2. The classification of certain conditions as mental illnesses can be influenced by societal norms and beliefs.
3. The classification of gender dysphoria + body dysmorphic disorder + delusions as a mental illness may be subject to societal views and changes in understanding.

Theorem 3: The classification of gender dysphoria + body dysmorphic disorder + delusions as a mental illness may be influenced by societal factors and evolving perspectives.

In addition:

Axiom 1: In conservatism, traditional values and norms are upheld as essential for societal stability and moral order.

Axiom 2: Objectivism emphasizes reason as the only means of acquiring knowledge and rejects the notion of intrinsic value.

Axiom 3: In laissez-faire capitalism, individuals are free to pursue their own interests without interference from the government.

1. Definitions:

• Transgenderism: The condition of identifying with a gender different from reality, the one assigned at birth.
• Mental illness: A condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling, or behavior and may impair their ability to function in daily life.
• 
  

2. Axioms:

• Conservatives view gender identity as traditionally tied to biological sex.
• Objectivism values reason and empirical evidence (reality) in defining concepts.
• Laissez-faire capitalism promotes individual freedom and autonomy.
• 
  

3. Main Premise: Transgenderism is a mental illness.
4. 
   
5. Additional Premises:

• From a conservative perspective, transgenderism challenges traditional gender norms and values.
• Objectivism requires objective evidence (reality) to classify a condition as a mental illness.
• Laissez-faire capitalism allows individuals to seek treatment or support for mental health issues based on their own judgment.
• 
  

5. Theorem: Therefore, based on the conservative, objectivist, and laissez-faire capitalist principles, it can be concluded that transgenderism, defined as identifying with a gender different from the one assigned at birth, can be considered a mental illness due to its deviation from traditional gender norms, reality and the need for empirical evidence, and the individual's freedom to address mental health concerns.

6. Additional Premises:

• Mental illness is characterized by distress and impairment in functioning, which can be present in individuals with gender dysphoria.
• The classification of mental illness evolves with scientific understanding and societal perspectives.
• Treatment options for mental illness, including therapy and medical interventions, are available to individuals with gender dysphoria.
• 
  

7. Theorem: Therefore, considering the distress and impairment in functioning that can accompany gender dysphoria + body dysmorphic disorder + delusions, the evolving nature of mental illness classification, and the availability of treatment options, it is logical to affirm that transgenderism can be viewed as a mental illness from a conservative, objectivist, and laissez-faire capitalist framework.  

Finally:

7.  Based on the objective definition of mental illness that we've established, transgenderism could potentially be considered a mental illness if it meets certain key criteria:
8. 
   

   Perceptual Roots:

   • Distressing incongruence between one's gender identity and biological sex characteristics (gender dysphoria)
   • Preoccupation and distress over perceived flaws in one's physical sexual characteristics (body dysmorphia)
   • Beliefs about one's gender/body that are divorced from biological reality (delusions)
   • 
     

   Basic Axioms/Principles:

   • There are two biological sexes (male/female) determined by chromosomal and anatomical characteristics
   • Gender identity (psychological sense of gender) has biological underpinnings in brain development
   • Distortions in perception, cognition and belief formation can arise from neurological dysfunction
   • 
     

   Intermediate Steps:

   • Gender dysphoria involves clinically significant distress/impairment
   • Body dysmorphia represents a dysfunctional pattern of perception/fixation
   • Delusions by definition involve fixed false beliefs contradicting reality
   • 
     

   Measurable Characteristics:

   • Persistent cross-gender identification per established diagnostic criteria
   • Obsession/preoccupation with secondary sex characteristics beyond sociocultural norms
   • Maintaining delusional beliefs about one's biological sex despite contradictory evidence
   • 
     

   Potential Definition:
   Transgenderism defined as gender dysphoria plus body dysmorphic disorder and delusional beliefs about one's biological sex could potentially be considered a mental illness. It involves a cluster of symptoms (cross-gender identification, body fixation, delusional beliefs) that deviate from biological/psychological norms and functional reality. These phenomena likely reflect an underlying dysregulation in the neurocognitive processes involved in psychosexual development, body perception and belief formation - constituting a dysfunctional psychological condition per the definition of mental disorder.