I went to the Rainbow Health Ontario conference last week and am still processing the wealth of information I absorbed. In particular there were representatives from WPATH giving an update on their recommendations to the APA as well as insight’s into the direction taken by the working group reviewing what is presently called Gender Identity Disorder for the upcoming DSM V (expected now in 2013.) There was discussion on the need to have one version of the condition per age group with NOS and whether or not there should be other subcategories. Welcome to the confusing world of “trans-speak”; acronyms are aplenty and only begin to give an idea of the daunting politics at play. I’m including a quick and dirty glossary of terms at the bottom of the entry.
All in all, it’s not ideal but I am pleasantly relieved by the direction things seem to be going. I’ve been immensely invested in this ongoing affair for too long that I appreciate the baby steps in the right direction and allow myself sighs of relief even though the road ahead remains long. Anyone interested can submit their two cents on the matter until April 20th at www.dsm5.org. Once there click on Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders and you’ll see:
302.6 Gender Identity Disorder in Children
302.6 Gender Identity Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
302.85 Gender Identity Disorder in Adolescents or Adults
Otherwise, it’s fiscal year end. Like many of you I suspect, I am knee deep in report writing as well as review and planning meetings. I have been writing, editing and should have some regular entries with more substance ready soon.
Glossary of terms:
WPATH – World Professional Association for Transgender Health www.wpath.org/
APA – American Psychological Association www.apa.org/
DSM – Diagnostic and Statistical Manual www.dsmivtr.org/
NOS – Not Otherwise Specified – appears through out the DSM not just GID. It is for people who meet the criteria but none of the other subcategories. It’s a catch all umbrella expression in mental illness lingo.
