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Comorbidity of Asperger syndrome and gender identity disorder

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Abstract

The case of a 35-yearold biological woman with Asperger syndrome (AS) and gender identity disorder (GID) fulfilling DSM-IV criteria is reported. Against the background of recently emerging theories of cognitive male pattern underlying autism we present additional psychological assessments in order to discuss any possible interaction or discrimination between AS and GID. Whilst we explain GID as a secondary feature of AS, we examine the assumption of the necessity of treating GID in AS as a primary GID in accordance with international standards. We consider the treatment of GID as compelling, particularly because curative therapy for AS is lacking and with GID treatment in this vein, the patient gains psychosocial improvement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychiatric Department, University Hospital, Culmannstrasse 8, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland

    Bernd Kraemer M.D., Aba Delsignore M.A., M.Sc., Ulrich Schnyder M.D. & Urs Hepp M.D.

  2. Zentrum fuer Kinder und Jugendpsychiatrie, Neumuensterallee 3, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland

    Ronnie Gundelfinger M.D.

Authors
  1. Bernd Kraemer M.D.
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  2. Aba Delsignore M.A., M.Sc.
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  3. Ronnie Gundelfinger M.D.
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  4. Ulrich Schnyder M.D.
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  5. Urs Hepp M.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bernd Kraemer M.D..

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Kraemer, B., Delsignore, A., Gundelfinger, R. et al. Comorbidity of Asperger syndrome and gender identity disorder. Europ.Child & Adolescent Psych 14, 292–296 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-005-0469-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-005-0469-4

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