[Transsexuality-medical and legal aspects (author's transl)].

Transsexuals have a subjective conviction that they belong to the opposite sex and demand a change of sex. They suffer mainly from lack of understanding in their environment. In the German Federal Republic the legal problem of transsexuals has become a legislative one through the verdict of the Bundesgerichtshof of 21.9. 1971. By contrast, pragmatical solutions have been found in the United States during the last 10 years, particularly since Gender Identity Clinics came into existence. The etiology of transsexualism is unknown. The most reliable diagnostic test is the two-year test, living practically in the desired sex. Counselling, hormonal and surgical therapy do not constitute a cure, but rehabilitation. At the present time these are the only measures to help transsexuals.