Deutsch: Achse / Español: Eje / Português: Eixo / Français: Axe / Italiano: Asse /

Axis refers to a class of information in DSM-IV regarding an aspect of the individual's functioning. The DSM uses a multiaxial or multidimensional approach to diagnosing because rarely do other factors in a person's life not impact their mental health.

It assesses five dimensions as described below:

Axis I: Clinical Syndromes This is what we typically think of as the diagnosis (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, social phobia)

Axis II: Developmental Disorders and Personality Disorders Developmental disorders include autism and mental retardation, disorders which are typically first evident in childhood; and Personality disorders are clinical syndromes which have a more long lasting symptoms and encompass the individual's way of interacting with the world. They include Paranoid, Antisocial, and Borderline Personality Disorders.

Axis III: Physical Conditions which play a role in the development, continuance, or exacerbation of Axis I and II Disorders Physical conditions such as brain injury or HIV/AIDS that can result in symptoms of mental illness are included here.

Axis IV: Severity of Psychosocial Stressors Events in a persons life, such as death of a loved one, starting a new job, college, unemployment, and even marriage can impact the disorders listed in Axis I and II. These events are both listed and rated for this axis.

Axis V: Highest Level of Functioning The clinician rates the person's level of functioning both at the present time and the highest level within the previous year. This helps the clinician understand how the above four axes are affecting the person and what type of changes could be expected.


A list of books about the topic Axis


Other /More definition:
Axis refers to a class of information in DSM-IV regarding an aspect of the individual's functioning. The DSM uses a multiaxial or multidimensional approach to diagnosing because rarely do other factors in a person's life not impact their mental health. It assesses five dimensions as described below: Axis I: Clinical Syndromes This is what we typically think of as the diagnosis (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, social phobia) Axis II: Developmental Disorders and Personality Disorders Developmental disorders include autism and mental retardation, disorders which are typically first evident in childhood; and Personality disorders are clinical syndromes which have a more long lasting symptoms and encompass the individual's way of interacting with the world. They include Paranoid, Antisocial, and Borderline Personality Disorders. Axis III: Physical Conditions which play a role in the development, continuance, or exacerbation of Axis I and II Disorders Physical conditions such as brain injury or HIV/AIDS that can result in symptoms of mental illness are included here. Axis IV: Severity of Psychosocial level within the previous year. This helps the clinician understand how the above four axes are affecting the person and what type of changes could be expected.


Related Articles to the term 'Axis'

'DSM-IV' ■■■■■■■■■■
DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) refers to the 4th edition of the DSM, . . . Read More
'Etiology'
Etiology refers to the study of the causes of disorders. With regard to childhood disorders, etiology . . . Read More
'Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders'
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is the bible of abnormal psychology. It lists . . . Read More
'Disease'
Disease: In the field of psychology, the term \'disease\' typically refers to a psychological disorder . . . Read More
'Diathesis-stress model'
Diathesis-stress model refers to a theory of stress that suggests that some individuals are vulnerable . . . Read More
'Magnetic Resonance'
Magnetic resonance in the context of psychology typically refers to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) . . . Read More
'Sulcus'
Sulcus in the psychology context refers to the grooves or furrows found on the surface of the brain, . . . Read More
'Avolition'
Avolition means lack of volition or will. It refers to a negative symptom of schizophrenia involving . . . Read More
'Genetics'
Genetics is defined as the branch of Biology that studies heredity, especially the mechanisms of hereditary . . . Read More
'Affect'
Affect refers to the pattern of observable behaviours that are associated with emotional states. People . . . Read More