The GAF scale was dropped from the DSM-5 because of its conceptual lack of clarity (i.e., including symptoms, suicide risk, and disabilities in the descriptors) and questionable psychometric properties ( American Psychiatric Association, 2013b).Īlthough the impact of removing the overall multi-axial structure in DSM-5 is unknown, there is concern among clinicians that eliminating the structured approach for gathering and organizing clinical assessment data will hinder clinical practice ( Frances, 2010). Axis I consisted of mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs) Axis II was reserved for personality disorders and mental retardation Axis III was used for coding general medical conditions Axis IV was to note psychosocial and environmental problems (e.g., housing, employment) and Axis V was an assessment of overall functioning known as the GAF. DSM-IV approached psychiatric assessment and organization of biopsychosocial information using a multi-axial formulation ( American Psychiatric Association, 2013b). One of the key changes from DSM-IV to DSM-5 is the elimination of the multi-axial system. Elimination of the Multi-Axial System and GAF Score This report will supplement that information by providing details specifically about changes to disorders of childhood and their implications for generating estimates of child serious emotional disturbance (SED).Ģ.1. (DSM-IV) to DSM-5 are summarized in the report Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Many of these general changes from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. (DSM-5) include eliminating the multi-axial system removing the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF score) reorganizing the classification of the disorders and changing how disorders that result from a general medical condition are conceptualized. Other changes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. This latest revision takes a lifespan perspective recognizing the importance of age and development on the onset, manifestation, and treatment of mental disorders.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) published the DSM-5 in 2013.