Nosology, Etiology, and Course of Gender Identity Disorder in Children

SUMMARY

This paper examines the diagnostic category of Gender Identity Disorder as applied to children (GIDC) in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It will summarize the major etiological theories about GIDC and describe the extent to which they are supported by research. The paper will also describe what is known about the course of GIDC and its relationship to homosexuality.

Key Words:

• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)
• children
• gender nonconformity
• Gender Identity Disorder of Childhood (GIDC)
• gender theory
• homosexuality
• sexual orientation