APA: Changes Possible in DSM-V GID

The American Psychiatric Association — which eliminated homosexuality as a mental disorder three decades ago — is now considering whether gender identity should also be removed from the forthcoming DSM-V.   When DSM-IV was published more than a decade ago, there was little controversy regarding the inclusion of “gender variance” as a mental illness. Today, however, the community itself is forcefully declaring its opposition to its classification as such in the DSM-V. 

“The listing of this disorder in the DSM, the content of the diagnostic criteria, and the accompanying text all are being closely examined. Each member of the work group recognizes that there are not just clinical ramifications to their decisions, but also unique personal and social issues that affect each person who receives a diagnosis of GID,” says William E. Narrow, M.D., M.P.H., DSM-V Research Director and Associate Director of APA’s Division of Research.

Among the issues being debated these days in mental health communities is the question of whether or not insurance coverage of psychiatric, medical, and surgical treatments would be eliminated if the condition is no longer classified as a disorder.

Work on DSM-V continues by the APA.   The current schedule calls for more input and feedback prior to the final publication of the revision now set for 2012. For more on the issues at hand, check out the following links: