Gender Identity Disorder
Updated:Gender Identity Disorder (GID) is an outdated medical term that was previously used to describe individuals whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth. It has since been replaced by the term "gender dysphoria" in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to reduce stigma and better reflect the experiences of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.
Additional Information
The shift from "Gender Identity Disorder" to "gender dysphoria" represents a significant change in how the medical community views gender identity. While GID implied that the gender identity itself was a disorder, gender dysphoria focuses on the distress that may result from a mismatch between one's gender identity and assigned sex.
It's important to note that not all transgender or gender non-conforming individuals experience gender dysphoria, and the presence of gender dysphoria is not a requirement for being transgender. The current approach emphasizes supporting individuals in their gender identity rather than trying to change it.
Examples
Historical context: "In older medical literature, you might see 'Gender Identity Disorder' used to describe what we now refer to as gender dysphoria."
Modern usage: "Instead of diagnosing someone with Gender Identity Disorder, healthcare professionals now focus on addressing the distress associated with gender dysphoria, if present."