Objective The DSM-IV classification in
its definition and description of the gender identity disorder omits a number
of diagnostically significant features. This paper attempts to correct the
deficiencies.
Method The text under the headings:
'Diagnostic features', 'Specifiers', 'Associated disorders', 'Laboratory
findings', 'Prevalence', 'Course' and 'Differential diagnosis' is subjected to
a detailed scrutiny, using the author's experience as consultant psychiatrist
to the Monash University Gender Dysphoria Clinic over a period of 25 years as
source and background. Results of two studies of male-to-female and
female-to-male transsexuals are given in the Table.
Results DSM-IV criteria are augmented and the
symptomatology focused. The existing gaps in the delineation of specifiers and
associated features are closed by providing additional clinical material. The
description of the course and the differential diagnosis are enriched.
Conclusions Although the critical analysis of
the DSM-IV classification of the gender identity disorder has shown the manual
to be adequate, it nevertheless has shortcomings which may impede exact
diagnosis.
Citation: PubMed
