(Dys)Functional Diagnosing: The Sociological Analysis of the Medical and Therapeutic Management of Trans-Identified Patients

• In Event: 322 - Section on Medical Sociology Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 19. Sexual Orientation and Health

Abstract

Diagnosing can be both categorically and procedurally problematic. My data show that the documents meant to assist in treatment can create tension for U.S. health professionals who treat trans-identified patients. Drawing on in-depth interviews with physicians, therapists and trans-identified individuals, I show that professionals often work around specific diagnoses and treatment documents to secure insurance coverage and medical interventions for their patients. However, in working to provide treatments, they also can further pathologize and medicalize trans-people while inadvertently diminish the role of therapists while increasing the regulatory power of medical providers.

Author

• Jodie Marie Dewey, Concordia University