Objective To review the clinically
relevant literature on gender identity disorder (GID) in children and
adolescents over the past 10 years.
Method All literature referring to
gender identity and children or adolescents from 1985 on was reviewed.
Results Changes in the DSM-IV
nomenclature include (1) adoption of the single diagnosis of GID to apply to
children, adolescents, and adults; (2) changes in the format of the criteria;
and (3) placement in the section "Sexual and Gender Identity
Disorders." Rates of associated psychopathology in children with GID are
comparable with those in children with other psychiatric disorders,
particularly disorders that are internalizing in form. Biological and
psychosocial factors thought to be relevant in the development of GID are
reviewed.
Conclusions Research is required to
elucidate the complicated interaction between biological and psychosocial
factors in the development of GID and to evaluate treatment efficacy.
Citation:
J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 1997 Jul;36(7):872-80 an article published
on the Internet by PubMed <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/>
