Dsm V
The DSM-V and Gender Identity Disorder
UVIC
April 5, 2012
Table of Contents
Introduction 1-2
Diagnostic and Statistics Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) 2-3
Problems with the Current Diagnostic Criteria for GID
Support of Keeping the GID Diagnosis in DSM-V
Therapists Role in Transgendered Issues
Introduction
Although Gender Identity Disorder (GID) and homosexuality has been in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for many years, I was personally unaware of the controversy that surrounded it. I realized that I needed to educate myself in the issues and changes that have occurred in the DSM regarding GID and homosexuality over the years.
The APA is in the process of revising its DSM and part of that process has been to create a Work Group on Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders (WGSGSID). The Work Group is one of 13 groups participating in the DSM-V revision process (Drescher, 2010).
There has been a high level of concern from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in regards to the status of the category of GID in the DSM (Drescher, 2010). Activists argued that it is wrong to label expressions of gender variances as symptoms of a mental disorder. Advocates for the removal of the GID compare it to the removal of homosexuality in 1973 (Drescher, 2010).
According to the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, people experiencing “strong cross-gender identification and a persistent discomfort with their sex or a sense of inappropriateness in the gender role of that sex” were diagnosed with transexualism in the DSM-III. In 1994, the DSM IV changed that diagnosis to GID. (Drescher, 2010).
Removing GID from the DSM would be a major step in destigmatizing the lives of transgendered people, however it would come at a price and this will be reviewed in this paper.
Individuals that identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or
UVIC
April 5, 2012
Table of Contents
Introduction 1-2
Diagnostic and Statistics Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) 2-3
Problems with the Current Diagnostic Criteria for GID
Support of Keeping the GID Diagnosis in DSM-V
Therapists Role in Transgendered Issues
Introduction
Although Gender Identity Disorder (GID) and homosexuality has been in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for many years, I was personally unaware of the controversy that surrounded it. I realized that I needed to educate myself in the issues and changes that have occurred in the DSM regarding GID and homosexuality over the years.
The APA is in the process of revising its DSM and part of that process has been to create a Work Group on Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders (WGSGSID). The Work Group is one of 13 groups participating in the DSM-V revision process (Drescher, 2010).
There has been a high level of concern from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in regards to the status of the category of GID in the DSM (Drescher, 2010). Activists argued that it is wrong to label expressions of gender variances as symptoms of a mental disorder. Advocates for the removal of the GID compare it to the removal of homosexuality in 1973 (Drescher, 2010).
According to the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, people experiencing “strong cross-gender identification and a persistent discomfort with their sex or a sense of inappropriateness in the gender role of that sex” were diagnosed with transexualism in the DSM-III. In 1994, the DSM IV changed that diagnosis to GID. (Drescher, 2010).
Removing GID from the DSM would be a major step in destigmatizing the lives of transgendered people, however it would come at a price and this will be reviewed in this paper.
Individuals that identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or
References: Christopher Cotten PhD & John W. Ridings PhD (2011): Getting Out/Getting In: The DSM, Political Activism, and the Social Construction of Mental Disorders, Social Work in Mental Health, 9:3, 181-205 Conner-Greene, P.A Dallas Denny MA (2004): Changing Models of Transsexualism, Journal of Gay & Lesbian Psychotherapy, 8:1-2, 25-40 Drescher, Jack (2010) Griffin, Lisa (2011). The Other Dual Role: Therapist as Advocate with Transgender Clients, | Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, ISSN 1935-9705, 03/2011, Volume 15, Issue 2, pp Wyndzen, M. H. (1998). All mixed up: A transgendered psychology professor 's perspective on life, the psychology of gender, & "gender identity disorder". (Rev. 2008). Available: http://www.GenderPsychology.org/ Zucker, k.j (September 2008)