The acronym for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It often is followed by a roman numeral (i.e., DSM-V) to indicate the version to which one is referring. The manual offers a common language and standard criteria for the classification of mental disorders for psychologists and psychiatrists. Kelly and Lisa Erhardt both reference the DSM in order to better understand Wyatt’s transgender identity. Using the DSM, Wyatt is diagnosed with gender identity disorder (which has since been updated to gender dysphoria).
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DSM Term Timeline in Becoming Nicole
The timeline below shows where the term DSM appears in Becoming Nicole. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 4: Gender Dysphoria
...gender. The criteria for this diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) includes a strong desire to be of the other gender, a strong preference for crossdressing...
(full context)
Chapter 12: Transitions
...him. When Kelly told her that Wyatt has Gender Identity Disorder, Erhardt pulled out the DSM and read the description in order to learn more. The description indicated a “persistent discomfort...
(full context)
