As knowledge expands and language evolves, the DDC tries to reflect this as well in the classification tables and schedules. Sometimes these changes are easy and straightforward, other times the topic has to undergo both a terminology change and a location change. This was part of the issue of the former entry of “gender identity disorders” under the mental disorders heading.
The term “gender identity disorder” was first found in the DSM-III (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) in 1980, but it was a misnomer in that it implied that there are several disorders that are part of gender identity. The current DSM-V (2013) and the ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, 2019) both addressed “gender identity disorders”; the DSM by removing the stigmatized term “disorder” and replacing it with “dysphoria”, while the ICD uses “gender incongruence”. Both have removed the topic from mental disorders and have given new dedicated space within the publication. Dysphoria is an emotional condition, not a disorder, of deep sadness and comes in several different forms, with gender dysphoria being one of these forms.
After much discussion, to include input from librarians with gender dysphoria, about possible places within DDC for gender dysphoria, the decision to include it with 616.8527 Depressive disorder was made. This entry already has a note to include seasonal affective disorder and mood disorders. As dysphoria is dealing with a mood condition, we felt this was the best possible solution, thus making the heading 616.8527 Depressive disorder and dysphoria. Gender dysphoria specifically will have a call number of 616.85277 to ensure the topic is not lost. This reclassification allows individuals, to include health-care providers, a more accurate placement of gender dysphoria works.
We’ll keep broadening our knowledge and evolving our language. If you’d like to contribute, please send your suggestions to us.
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