gender identity disorder

gender identity disorder

One of the biggest changes from the DSM-IV-TR (APA, 2000) to the DSM-5 (APA, 2013) was with regard to “gender identity disorder.” The DSM-5 has now termed this condition as “gender dysphoria” and has removed it from the chapter containing the sexual dysfunctions and paraphilias. In addition, it better differentiated diagnostic criteria for children versus adolescents and adults.

For this discussion, review Section 11.4 of the textbook along with pages 14–15 of the APA document Highlights of Changes From DSM-IV-TR to DSM-5, and in your initial post, address the following:

Do you agree or disagree with the DSM’s decision to rename “gender identity disorder” from the DSM-IV to “gender dysphoria” in the DSM-5? Why or why not?
What might be some alternative conceptualizations for this disorder? For example, some view gender dysphoria as solely a physical condition, not mental, and therefore it should not even be included in the DSM. Others view it as entirely psychological and potentially even a subtype of major depressive disorder.
In what ways might these changes in conceptualizing and diagnosing gender dysphoria impact treatment?

Solution Preview

The announcement by DSM_5 to rename gender identity disorder (GID) to gender dysphoria brought a lot of discussion and controversy over the decision. I agree with the decision, based on my understanding and definition of gender. Gender is the social role/responsibility of an individual, or the social identification of an individual as male or female, normally influenced by biological characteristics.

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