Depathologizing Sexual Orientation and Transgender Identities in Psychiatric Classifications

Rebeca Robles,Geoffrey M Reed,Tania Real

doi:10.17816/cp61

Abstract

Introduction. This article presents the history and rationales of conceptualization and classification of homosexuality and transgender identity in both ICD and DSM. We review the efforts that have been made (and those that remain pending) to improve psychiatric classifications with new scientific knowledge, changing social attitudes and human rights standards. Method. We conducted a literature search of the classification of homosexuality and transgender identity as mental disorders. Result. We provide a historical description of these concepts in ICD and DSM, including fundamental points of disagreement as well as arguments that have been effective in achieving changes in both classifications. Conclusions. Fundamental changes have been made in the International Classification of Diseases Eleventh Revision (ICD-11) in terms of the classification of sexual orientation and gender identity based on scientific evidence and the ICDs public health objectives. These changes might support the provision of accessible and high-quality healthcare services, and are responsive to the needs, experience and human rights of the populations involved.

Highlights

This article presents the history and rationales of conceptualization and classification of homosexuality and transgender identity in both ICD and DSM
According to recent international surveys of psychiatrists from 44 countries[1] and psychologists from 23 nations,[2] the 10th version of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10)[3] is the classification system that both groups of clinicians use most in their everyday clinical work (70.1% of psychiatrists, and 51% of psychologists), followed by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)[4] (23% of psychiatrists, and 43.8% of psychologists)
ICD-6 was the first version of the ICD that included a classification of morbidity and the first version to incorporate a classification of mental disorders

Summary

DISCUSSION

Depathologizing Sexual Orientation and Transgender Identities in Psychiatric Classifications. Депатологизация сексуальной ориентации и трансгендерной идентичности в психиатрических классификациях doi:10.17816/CP61. © Rebeca Robles[1], Tania Real[1], Geoffrey M. Reed2 1Global Mental Health Research Center, National Institute of Psychiatry, Ministry of Health, Mexico City, Mexico; 2Department of Psychiatry Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA. © Ребека Роблес[1], Таня Рил[1], Джеффри М. Рид2 1Центр исследований глобального психического здоровья, Национальный институт психиатрии, Министерство здравоохранения, Мехико, Мексика; 2Кафедра психиатрии, Высшая медицинская школа Валегоса, Колумбийский университет, Нью-Йорк, штат Нью-Йорк, США

Conclusions

INTRODUCTION

Findings

Chapter V. Mental disorders

CONCLUSION