The Importance of Changing DSM-V to Reflect a true understanding

[seldom]

Currently our access under insurance to HRT and SRS is primarily blocked by the DSM-IV diagnosis.  Especially the part under the DSM-IV that says SRS and HRT provides little relief (something we all know that flies in the face of the facts).  The fact that the SoC and DSM-IV has clashed has created a barrier for us with regards to medical care. 
The DSM-V changes are with regards to TS and TG are political as they are medical.  The update is scheduled for 2011. However the work regarding this update has already started.  (They start work on the draft this year).

Please talk to your therapists and doctors, encourage them to contribute to the DSM-V on this issue.  Right now it is completely out of date, discriminatory and inaccurate regarding everything we know and our specialist know about this issue.  Getting this document in line can help us greatly as a community. 

Also it would be a good idea if we began writing the doctors involved in this study ourselves and express the problems with the DSM-IV and how the DSM V needs to come in line with the SoC and modern thinking about gender identity at the very least. 

http://www.dsm5.org/

Reforming this diagnostic manual is as important as reforming the legal system.

[Lisbeth]

While you're at it download a copy of A Research Agenda for DSM-V.  It is available the APPI web site.  There is a link from dsm5.org

[Melissa-kitty]

Everyone can join the WPATH, as well. Their biennial meeting is in Chicago this September, and non-MD/PhD/MSWs can go.  Obviously, politics play as much of a role as science in the DSM and SOC, but I think that there are many good people involved.
Blessings, Tara

[seldom]

I talked to my therapist today about submitting comments.  She said she is going to read over the DSM-IV and suggest improvements to the DSM-V committee.  She is one of the most experienced therapists in the country regarding trans issues (over 400 of her patients current and former are TS, representing 95% of her overall patients).  Basically she is one of the most experienced LCSW in the country regarding these issues. 

I HIGHLY suggest talking to your therapist about these issues.  This is something that we can encourage them to change and that they will comment on if they know about the fact the manual is in the process of being re-written.