1. Faces of diversity: Gender identity disorder
Michelle Tonsich
Emily Shields
EDC 615
April 2, 2012
History, Current Issues, and a Therapeutic Approach
Faces of diversity: Gender identity disorder

2. The debate over diagnosis
The arguments for and against removing GID from the DSM-V are strong, with clinicians and members of the LGBTQ community on both sides
The Work Group on Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders was appointed in 2008 by the APA to evaluate the diagnostic status of GID and GIDC

3. For removal of gid Against removal of gid
GID is the only DSM disorder in which treatment is designed to reinforce the disturbance that is the basis of the disorder
It is unethical to label expressions of gender variance as symptoms of a disorder and leads to further stigmatization
Retention of GID in the DSM-V could lead to adding the diagnosis of homosexuality back in to the psychiatric manual
Removal will be a significant step toward equality and social acceptance for transgender individuals
Possible denial of access to health care for transgender individuals
GID is a real disorder characterized by deviance in sexual identity and psychological delusions
GID is difficult to define, due in part to the fact that some individuals with co-occurring disorders present with gender identity issues
Risk of misdiagnosis and incorrect or inadequate treatment