Multiaxial Diagnosis
The Fourth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM IV is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States. It used for patient diagnosis and treatment, and is important for collecting and communicating accurate public health statistics.
The DSM consists of three major components: thediagnostic classification, the diagnostic criteria sets, and the descriptive text.
The Multiaxial System of Diagnosis in DSM IV Criteria
The DSM uses a "multiaxial" system for assessment. This assessment model is designed to provide a comprehensive diagnosis that includes a complete picture of not just acute symptoms but of the entire scope of factors that comprise mental health.
There are five axes in the DSM diagnostic system, each relating to a different aspect of a mental disorder:
Axis I:
This is the top-level diagnosis that usually represents the acute symptoms that need treatment; Axis 1 diagnoses are the most familiar and widely recognized (e.g., major depressive episode,schizophrenic episode, panic attack). Axis I terms are classified according to V-codes by the medical industry (primarily for billing and insurance purposes). Read more.
Axis I is part of the DSM "multiaxial" system for assessment. The five axis model is designed to provide a comprehensive diagnosis that includes a complete picture of not just acute symptoms but of the entire scope of factors that account for a patient's mental health. This page explains DSM Axis I
Axis I: Clinical Disorders
This is the top-level of the DSM multiaxial system of diagnosis. It represents acute symptoms that need treatment; Axis I diagnoses are the most familiar and widely recognized (e.g., major depressive episode, schizophrenic episode, panic attack). Axis I terms are classified according to V-codes by the medical industry (primarily for billing and insurance purposes).
Clinical Disorders are grouped into categories listed below
The DSM consists of three major components: thediagnostic classification, the diagnostic criteria sets, and the descriptive text.
The Multiaxial System of Diagnosis in DSM IV Criteria
The DSM uses a "multiaxial" system for assessment. This assessment model is designed to provide a comprehensive diagnosis that includes a complete picture of not just acute symptoms but of the entire scope of factors that comprise mental health.
There are five axes in the DSM diagnostic system, each relating to a different aspect of a mental disorder:
Axis I:
This is the top-level diagnosis that usually represents the acute symptoms that need treatment; Axis 1 diagnoses are the most familiar and widely recognized (e.g., major depressive episode,schizophrenic episode, panic attack). Axis I terms are classified according to V-codes by the medical industry (primarily for billing and insurance purposes). Read more.
Axis I is part of the DSM "multiaxial" system for assessment. The five axis model is designed to provide a comprehensive diagnosis that includes a complete picture of not just acute symptoms but of the entire scope of factors that account for a patient's mental health. This page explains DSM Axis I
Axis I: Clinical Disorders
This is the top-level of the DSM multiaxial system of diagnosis. It represents acute symptoms that need treatment; Axis I diagnoses are the most familiar and widely recognized (e.g., major depressive episode, schizophrenic episode, panic attack). Axis I terms are classified according to V-codes by the medical industry (primarily for billing and insurance purposes).
Clinical Disorders are grouped into categories listed below