Adult gender identity disorder can remit.
A 4-year remission in a case of gender identity disorder (GID in DSM-IV, previously termed transsexualism) plus obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) prompted a search for further similar cases. Reports were reviewed for apparent remissions in adult GID. GID and paraphilias may wax and wane. This fluctuation can be in tandem with that of comorbid psychopathology or in response to sexual and other life events. Remission has been documented at up to 10 years. If evaluated over many years, GIDs and paraphilias can be less fixed than is often thought. The frequency of permanent remission may be underestimated, as such subjects may not consult clinicians. Implications for the clinician are that such subjects require a long trial period of cross-gender living prior to any surgical interventions.
Department of Experimental Psychopathology, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK.
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Mataix-Cols
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D014189:Transsexualism / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents