Adult gender identity disorder can remit

A 4-year remission in a case of gender identity disorder (GID in DSM-IV, pr eviously termed transsexualism) plus obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) pr ompted a search for further similar cases. Reports were reviewed for appare nt remissions in adult GID, GID and paraphilias may wax and wane. This fluc tuation can be in tandem with that of comorbid psychopathology or in respon se 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 fi xed than is often thought. The frequency of permanent remission may be unde restimated, as such subjects may not consult clinicians. Implications for t he clinician are that such subjects require a long trial period of cross-ge nder living prior to any surgical interventions. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.