The true transsexual was thought to be a person with a characteristic path of atypical genderidentity development that predicted an improved life from a treatment sequence that culminated in genital surgery.
The term "gender dysphoria syndrome" was later adopted to designate the presence of a gender problem in either sex until psychiatry developed an official nomenclature.
Depending on their age, those with a strong and persistent cross-gender identification and a persistent discomfort with their sex or a sense of inappropriateness in the gender role of that sex, were to be diagnosed as GenderIdentityDisorder of Childhood (302.6), Adolescence, or Adulthood (302.85).
The disorder is not a symptom of another mental disorder or a chromosomal abnormality.
Sometimes, even the very existence of a "normal" genderidentity or gender role is examined, and often rejected by sectors of modern gender studies.
Medical treatment for changing a person's sexual characteristics (see Gender reassignment therapy) is not considered a cure for transsexual or transgender feeling or behaviour, but it can help transsexual persons to live in a gender role that is more appropriate for their genderidentity.
The Standards of Care for GenderIdentityDisorders by the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association
A more lenient version of the SOC that has been increasing in acceptance is the Health Law Standards Of Care, developed by the Health Law Project (also known as the ICTLEP guidelines), which are based on a harm-reduction model.
In Western countries the emphasis is on psychiatry or psychology, typically in Latin America the emphasis is on the ability to "pass" and in Thailand the emphasis is on cross-living experience.
Depending on their age, those with a strong and persistent cross-gender identification and a persistent discomfort with their sex or a sense of inappropriateness in the gender role of that sex were to be diagnosed as GenderIdentityDisorder of Childhood (302.6), Adolescence, or Adulthood (302.85).
Genderidentitydisorders in children and adolescents are different from those seen in adults, in that a rapid and dramatic developmental process (physical, psychological and sexual) is involved.
The real-life experience is essential to the transition to the gender role that is congruent with the patient's genderidentity.
Persons with genderidentitydisorders, their families, and social institutions may use the SOC as a means to understand the current thinking of professionals.
School-aged adolescents with genderidentitydisorders often are so uncomfortable due to negative peer interactions and a felt incapacity to participate in the roles of their biologic sex that they refuse to attend school.
School-aged persons with genderidentitydisorders often are so uncomfortable due to negative peer interactions and a felt incapacity to participate in the roles of their biologic sex that they refuse to attend school.
This is the fifth version of the HBIGDA Standards of Care since the original 1979 document.
School-aged persons with genderidentitydisorders often are so uncomfortable due to negative peer interactions and a felt incapacity to participate in the roles of their biologic sex that they refuse to attend school.
If psychotherapy is not done by members of a gender team, the psychotherapist should be informed that a letter describing the patient's therapy may be requested so the patient can proceed with the next phase of rehabilitation.
We stand at the crossroads of gender balanced on the sharp edge of a knife.
Gender reassignment surgery (GRS) includes the surgical procedures by which a person's physical appearance and function of their existing sexual characteristics are changed to that of the other sex.
It is part of a treatment for genderidentitydisorder in transsexual and transgender people.
Although GenderIdentityDisorder (GID) is a treatable condition catalogued in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) and the World Health Organization International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems - Revision 10, it is not recognized in and of itself as a service connected disability.
As noted in Answer 4, the response to one's request for gender counseling and hormone therapy is highly dependent on each facility's interpretation of the gender alteration prohibition.
Veterans may change their gender markers in the VA databases (national and local healthcare facility) by forwarding a notarized copy of the surgeon's letter that confirms accomplishment of SRS/GRS/GCS to both the regional VA office that holds one's records and one's primary healthcare facility.
The Harry Benjamin Standards of Care is a consensus opinion on transsexual treatment by (presumably) medical and psychological experts.
Some employ it to refer to those with unusual genderidentities in a value free manner-that is, without a connotation of psychopathology.
Continuing education in the treatment ofgender identitydisorders which may include attendance at professional meetings, workshops, or seminars or participating in research related to genderidentity issues.
PART TWO - Brief Reference Guide to the Standards of Care
PART THREE - The Full Text of the Standards of Care
This is the fifth version of Standards of Care since the original 1979 document.
www.symposion.com /ijt/ijtc0405.htm (189 words)
HBIGDA Standards of Care, 6th Version(Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-27)
The Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association's Standards of Care for GenderIdentityDisorders articulate our organization's professional consensus about the psychiatric, psychological, medical, and surgical management of genderidentitydisorders.
This document may also assist you with your research and understanding of the current thinking of professionals.
The Standards of Care for GenderIdentityDisorders is available in three additional places for wide distribution and ease of access:
