The decision to declassify gender dysphoria as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association and to remove gender identity disorders from the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) was based on several factors.
One of the main factors was an increasing shift towards recognizing gender identity as a matter of self-identification, rather than a medical or psychological disorder. There was also a growing body of evidence showing that gender dysphoria could be effectively treated without pathologizing it as a mental disorder. This evidence indicated that providing access to gender-affirming healthcare and support, rather than pathologizing gender diversity, had better outcomes for individuals with gender dysphoria.
There was no indication that changes in leadership or political pressure was a major factor in these decisions, although advocacy from transgender and nonbinary communities may have played a role.
These changes were based on a growing body of scientific evidence on gender identity and the experiences of transgender individuals. In particular, research has shown that gender identity has a biological basis and cannot be 'fixed' through conversion therapy or other forms of coercion. This evidence was considered when developing the new classifications.
There are no major psychiatric professional organizations that disagree with the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization's stance on gender identity. Nonetheless, there are still some groups that may disagree with the decision to declassify gender dysphoria and to remove gender identity disorders from diagnostic classifications.
What factors prompted the American Psychiatric Association to declassify gender dysphoria from the DSM-5 in 2013?
What factors prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to remove gender identity disorders from the list of psychiatric diagnoses in their most recent International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11)?
Was there any change in leadership at either organization prior to these changes?
Was there any political pressure on these organizations to make these changes?
Was there any new and compelling scientific evidence that prompted these changes?
Are there any psychiatric professional organizations outside of the USA that disagree with the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization on this issue?
The decision to declassify gender dysphoria as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and to remove gender identity disorders from the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) was based on several factors.
One of the main factors was an increasing understanding of gender identity as a matter of self-identification, rather than a pathology or disorder. This shift was accompanied by growing evidence showing that pathologizing gender diversity and identifying transgender individuals as cases of mental disorder did not improve their mental health outcomes.
Another contributing factor was the advocacy of the transgender community, which played a role in increasing visibility and awareness of the issues faced by transgender individuals.
There was no indication that change in leadership or political pressure played a major role in these decisions. However, advocacy and public pressure from the transgender community and its allies likely played a significant role in the changes.
These changes were based on a growing body of scientific evidence on gender identity and the experiences of transgender individuals. In particular, research has shown that gender identity has a biological basis and that providing access to gender-affirming healthcare and support is beneficial for individuals with gender dysphoria.
There are no major psychiatric professional organizations that disagree with the APA and the WHO's stance on gender identity. Nonetheless, there may be some groups or individuals who disagree with these decisions.