Presentation to the 2009 WPATH Symposium, Oslo, Norway
Revision Suggestions for Gender Related Diagnoses in the DSM and ICD
Ehrbar, Randall D., Psy.D.
Winters, Kelley, Ph.D.
Gorton, R. Nicholas, M.D
http://www.gidreform.org/wpath2009EWG.htmlThe World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
2009 XXI Biennial Symposium
June 19, 2009
Oslo, Norway
Starting with different beliefs and assumptions about appropriate diagnoses for transgender and gender variant individuals suffering from gender dysphoria, the members of this panel have reached similar conclusions about desirable changes to diagnostic categories in the next version of the DSM and ICD. Important points of agreement are that revised versions of diagnoses such as GID, Transsexualism, and GID in children 1) should center on gender dysphoria, which is distress associated with sexed characteristics of the body and/or social gender role, 2) should be large enough to encompass all of those who need it including those with non-binary gender identities, and those who do not wish to fully medically or socially transition to the "opposite" gender, 3) should be narrowly defined to only include those who are experiencing gender dysphoria (and are therefore presumably in need of treatment), not to those who are merely gender non-conforming. We will discuss the different premises and constructs on which the three authors base their conclusions and explore how despite these significant epistemological differences, the same conclusions become apparent. We will also discuss placement of diagnostic categories, nomenclature, "exit clauses" for trans-people who no longer experience gender dysphoria, cultural and sociopolitical significance of diagnostic categories and discourses around such categories, and appropriate diagnosis of distress primarily due to discrimination and oppression rather than gender dysphoria.
