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Gender incongruence/gender dysphoria and its classification history
Titia F Beek1, Peggy T Cohen-Kettenis1, Baudewijntje P C Kreukels1
1a Department of Medical Psychology & Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria , VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , the Netherlands.
Abstract:
In this article we discuss the changes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) classification of gender identity-related conditions over time, and indicate how these changes were associated with the changes in conceptualization. A diagnosis of 'transsexualism' appeared first in DSM-III in 1980. This version also included a childhood diagnosis: gender identity disorder of childhood. As research about gender incongruence/gender dysphoria increased, the terminology, placement and criteria were reviewed in successive versions of the DSM. Changes in various aspects of the diagnosis, however, were not only based on research. Social and political factors contributed to the conceptualization of gender incongruence/gender dysphoria as well.
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