Which disorder is characterized by a strong desire to be of the opposite sex?

The disorder characterized by a strong desire to be of the opposite sex is known as gender identity disorder, which is now more commonly referred to as gender dysphoria. This condition involves a profound incongruence between an individual's experienced or expressed gender and the gender assigned to them at birth. Individuals with gender dysphoria often have a strong desire to live as the opposite sex, and they may experience significant discomfort or distress due to this mismatch.

This strong desire can manifest in various ways, including a wish to adopt the clothing, behaviors, and roles traditionally associated with the gender they identify with, as well as undergoing medical procedures to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. Understanding this distinction is crucial in recognizing the complexities of gender identity and the experiences of those with gender dysphoria.

In contrast, body dysmorphic disorder involves an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in physical appearance, which is not directly related to gender identity. Bipolar disorder pertains to mood regulation and episodes of mania and depression, while obsessive-compulsive disorder involves persistent intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, none of which address issues of gender identity.