Story Of David Reimer

David Reimer, originally named Bruce, was born as one of two paternal twin brothers. As an infant, his parents opted for both boys to undergo circumcisions; however, during the procedure on David, the electro-cautery device malfunctioned and resulted in the penis being severely burned so much that the child was unable to even urinate. After much debate and following a consultation with Psychologist John Money, the parent decided to have the testicles removed and to raise “Bruce” and a girl, and rename him Brenda. The testicles were removed to reduce the secondary effects associated with testosterone. Later in life, it would be decided whether or not to complete total gender reassignment.

As Brenda grew, the parents could see that she

Although he could not procreate, his wife already had three children in which he gladly fostered. As time passed, David’s brother was later found dead in his apartment. An apparent overdose, although it is speculated whether or not it was accidental. As life grew more challenging, David’s wife asked for a separation. In his despair, David went into the wood, placed a shotgun to his head, and ended his life. He was 38 years old.

(The Story of David Reimer, n.d.)

The functional dynamics of this family are clearly complex. The parents were clearly dealing with questions regarding decisions they had made. The mother was clearly was taking psychotropic medications, as well as the brother. The father appeared somewhat passive, and the brother was clearly affected since the revelation of the brother/sister gender issue. Each family member had issues of dynamics both collectively and individually, but the one clinical manifestation of this entire story became one of significant depression.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV, Depression is defined as a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities for more than two weeks. Mood represents a change from the person 's baseline. Impaired function: social, occupational, and educational. Specific symptoms, at least 5 of these 9, present nearly every