The DSM-IV-TR uses a five level diagnostic system to classify illnesses and disorders. When considered together, these 5 levels give the treatment provider a complete diagnosis that includes factors influencing your psychiatric condition. This is important for effective treatment planning.
The five levels of the DSM are called “axes” and are defined as follows:
Axis I is reserved for clinical disorders and developmental and learning disorders. Disorders that may be present on Axis I include:- Panic Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Social Phobia
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Specific Phobia
Axis II is for personality disorders or mental retardation. Disorders that may appear on Axis II include:
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Histrionic Personality Disorder
- Dependent Personality Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
Axis III is for medical and/or physical conditions or disorders. For example:
Axis IV indicates factors contributing to, or affecting, the current psychiatric disorder and treatment outcomes. These include:
- Lack of an adequate support system
- Social issues
- Educational problems
- Problems with work
- Financial difficulties
- Legal problems
- Other psychosocial and environmental problems
Axis V is for the GAF or global assessment functioning. This is a 100-point scale that the mental health professional uses to describe the patient’s overall level of performance in usual daily activities and social, occupational, academic and interpersonal functioning.
Source:
American Psychiatric Association. "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., text revision" 2000 Washington, DC: Author.
