The future of GID NOS in the DSM 5: Report of the GID NOS working group of a consensus process conducted by the world professional association for transgender health

Abstract

The DSM-IV-TR diagnosis Gender Identity Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (GID NOS) is used to describe individuals who have gender issues but do not meet the current criteria for GID. As part of a consensus process conducted by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, the authors make the following recommendations for DSM 5: removal from the chapter on sexual disorders, more specific diagnostic criteria, retention of clinical significance criteria, and removal of exclusionary criteria of Intersex/Disorders of Sex Development. Changes to the existing clinical examples were also recommended, suggesting additional clinical examples that encompass a broader range of gender-variance and more commonly found transgender presentations. The diagnosis must reflect the severity of the clinical issues that represent legitimate identity experiences and possible need for gender-confirming treatments. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.